We didn’t do a whole lot on Tuesday – it was cold and we were lazy. But there was a lunch date:
A trip to the mall:
A quick jog to the end of the driveway to capture this indigo sky:
Mucho love for Grandpa:
Mucho love for Hayden:
And some intense puzzle-doing!
Wednesday was also quiet, though I did do some fairly strenuous pie-making, chopping apples and rolling dough with my favorite little sous-chef.
It was freezing and windy that day, but we made it outside for a few minutes, to see the cows and pick up sticks and play a game of chase.
I know, I know – this is a whole lotta Jules. But that hat! Those rosy cheeks!
Finally, the girl could handle the cold no more and asked Daddy to take her in.
…and then changed her mind about going inside when we got to the porch. She was feeling the pull of those wide open spaces!
Shane and I went out with Tiff and Jason that evening to the local watering hole for Wednesday wings. These Minnesota skies are somethin’ else.
Lite beer with green olives is apparently the Minnesotan beverage of choice when consuming massive piles of chicken wings. Cheers, Tiff!
We exchanged presents that evening, snacking on Christmas cookies and hot apple cider while the kids tore into their gifts.
Juliette, as per usual, made out like a bandit.
Gah! Watching this guy hug his granddaughter will turn you to mush. Denny’s heart is BIG and generous and soft.
Thursday morning was full of kitchen time and good smells and lots of laughter as the family gathered at the house.
We were just beginning to feel a bit antsy when Denny pulled up to the porch in his combine. Your chariot awaits, Juliette!
The fields near the house still needed to be harvested, so Juliette and Shanay kept Grandpa company while he went to work.
Once the kids had put in their time on the combine, we walked next door to chat with the cows and toss them a few ears of corn, to perfectly round out the country experience.
We’re not in Seattle anymore, Juliette!
The kitchen was a frenzy of activity when we got back inside as Pat put the finishing touches on the meal. Ham and turkey and mashed potatoes and cranberry relish and creamed corn and green beans, oh my.
We ate and then collapsed in a pile on the couch, eventually summoning just enough energy to put together a gingerbread house and slice into the apple pie.
Happy, happy Thanksgiving!
Shane and I had picked up a 1000 piece puzzle mid-week and I stayed up late Thursday working on it, desperate to see it through before our Friday flight back to Seattle. I’d forgotten how satisfying it is to slip together two perfectly-fit pieces and I was stupidly excited to show Shane the finished product in the morning. Voila!
We hit the road late Friday morning, waving a teary goodbye to Grandma and Grandpa (and the cows) as we pulled out of the driveway. I’m so thankful for those kind-hearted Schnells, for several days of rest, for chicken wings and tractors and incredible country sunsets. I’m especially thankful that I get to share a row with these two.
