It was a grand time had with nearly all of us and the families over Thanksgiving (except for mine – they were scattered across 4 states this year). Nephews and nieces were discovered as being neater and funner to be around from what I last remembered. I know we all are so proud and live the many daily blessing of family, and rightfully so.

One regret I continue to struggle with in moving away from Kansas many years ago is that our families know of each other only by a brief time spent together over a few days each year. It remains a tough pill for me to swallow that my FD and FS  didn’t/don’t know their Grandparents, uncles and aunts, and cousins better, and vice versa. Fortunately the solice I take in that personal decision (to move) is apparent when I look at our family’s careers, experiences, opportunities and successes, realizing it was the best and right thing for us to do, knowing we had the unconditional support of everyone back “home”. Then my regrets quickly fade.

The past few years I’ve gotten quality time with Dad and have grown to cherish every minute spent with him…and when anyone has joined us, well that has been all the better!

Over time we all change. We sometimes need reminded of our core personalities being still there, underneath those years of change, and “the way we are” memories comes out at one of our few family get-togethers through time spent and conversations. I am proud of my entire family, even with all their changing, otherwise I wouldn’t spend so much effort annoying them like I do.

Needless to say, this family is a competitive bunch. We’ve know of each other’s personalities through sports, favorite teams, playing against each other, happiness and heartache, and yes political persuasions. We sometimes fail to stop with our banter long enough to see other attributes and individuality traits we all possess…and that if truth be told, we probably find more endearing than others I’ve listed. As I get older (dammit), seeing again those “other sides” of family is like making new best friends and acquaintances. Cases in point with the 3rd generation set:

When OFNi Dani graduated college, I think she learned a little bit different about one of her Knucklehead Uncles and knows now he might professionally practice much more than the mere drafting of sidewalk alignments – an informal, occasional email exchange of  “professional banter” in now enjoyed…and that might even seem halfway intelligent at times coming from the Uncle’s side of the speak easy (one can only hope). Dani is my new favorite creative conversationalist.

OFNe Trev and Kristie and boys were a hoot when they came to Texas this summer past. I think it’s safe to say each of us met a different person in each other, especially once FS/FDIL’s wedding day craziness ended and we could all relax and enjoy a less stressful time together. Racing down the hotel halls on desk chairs, eating a meal together, and twice getting in late to the Texas campground, aka the air mattresses on my living room floor, proved an experience we talk about even several months after the happening. What a cool family Trevor and Kristie are building. They are my new favorite raising kids conversationalists. And those boys? Well I thoroughly enjoy their innocent outlook on life.

The distinct pleasure was all the Uncle’s when a couple afternoons were spent with OFNi Tara during Thanksgiving. It was a fun time with her, and I felt she really enjoyed the 3 of us together (Dad too was with us) doing the Pete Felten sculpture adventure. I always knew of their unique connection, but it was comforting to witness Tara and Dad’s relationship and know they will always take care of each other when needed…my role was to simply chime in with a few comments, suggestions, and photographs of some rocks carved on pedestals. Tara is one neat young niece despite having a friend that apparently can will a cell phone to text with little effort (or reason). Tara is my new favorite Googler, finder of all things, people and places worthy of photographing, and scratcher of head in wonderment of what next to expect conversationalist.

So often I’ve bragged on FS and FD via this blog – I will reserve more of that for a post separate from this one. Just know I can fill several pages if you make me. And now I can claim pride with our newest official family member (even though she’s been a part of us for quite some time) in FDIL Tammy. She brings a refreshing new perspective and spirit to this family and to all those extended.

How ’bout I start in on the spouse and OFSILs now? Maybe soon ladies.

And the brothers…gotta wait on that as well.

I love Thanksgiving time – it is turkey sandwiched in between my favorite month and the real reason for us all to be thankful.