Turkey-less Thanksgiving

This weekend we made the trek up to Rison, AR for the big family Thanksgiving. We didn't know if we were going until a few days before since we weren't sure where we'd be with Zara by this point. But she has been doing great and we decided to try it. Turns out she did awesome. Zara slept most of both the 8hr trip there and back, lulled to sleep by the Audi exhaust, waking only for feedings.

But while we were in Arkansas, she was a hit with the whole family. Zara got to meet her Great-Grandmother Louise which was really important to me to be able to do. Mamaw was happy to see her ninth great-grandchild for sure and we definitely needed to get there for her to see her at our earliest opportunity.

At the traditional Thanksgiving without a turkey at my great aunt Nell's, Zara was also the hit of the afternoon and evening. As far as the meal goes, no one really likes turkey and given that there are probably more than 40 people there, one bird wouldn't do anyway. Besides, who can turn down Gloria's southern fried chicken instead? For Zara, we had a waiting list of people to hold her and the only time she got put down was for diaper changes. I only had her long enough all day to do those diaper changes too. But we also got a picture of all nine of the great-grandkids together for the first time. Great-grandkids 10 and 11 are already baking so this picture will be out of date by June. It was a great weekend and one that makes you thankful those folks are family.

More pictures from the weekdend posted here:

Arkansas Thanksgiving 2009