Thanksgiving Fun

I just returned to the road from a 4 day Thanksgiving holiday. Good memories were made for sure.

  My mom, grandfather, both boys, and I went to Mountain Home, Arkansas to celebrate Thanksgiving. Regina spent the day with her family and extended family in Nixa. Family from several states converged on the Hodges' house in Mountain Home. We got to visit with folks we hadn't seen in many years. I was unfamiliar with some of the distant family members who came so, every so often, I leaned over to my mom to ask what their names were and how they are related. Grandpa said that he counted 38 of us in attendance. My boys had a good time with the other kids. Boredom was not an issue for any of the kids there that day. The weather was exceptionally pleasant and there were climbable trees. Hunter amazed me with his climbing skills. 

  One of my mom's cousins is deaf, but that doesn't stop him from making conversation. He writes notes back and forth with those he wants to talk to. Texting on cell phones was the preferred media between him and myself. He also seems to do pretty well at lip reading.

  It was a 2 hour drive, from and back to Nixa. The boys traveled well. My grandpa rode in the back seat with them. He didn't feel very well that day, but he did his best to keep a good face through it. His lymphoma and arthritis challenge him on various days. For an 85 year old man, he does exceptionally well.

 Regina, the boys and I stayed in a high-star hotel during my time at home. Regina went online to make a $57 bid for a 2.5 star motel, and ended up pleasantly surprised to be accepted to one of the most luxurious hotels in Springfield - The University Park Hotel. Forest, especially, had been looking forward to staying in a hotel. He was packed and ready to go days before I got into town. They were so dazzled by our hotel, as were we. It was 9 stories high, with a massive center indoor courtyard, restaurants, store, hair salon, an outdoor swimming pool, an indoor swimming pool, spa, fitness center, and room service. Life was good.

  My wife's cousin got married on Monday, the day I left. Hunter was called upon to be the ring bearer. He did a great job. However, I wouldn't have gotten him a mohawk haircut if I would have known that he was going to perform in a wedding! His mom spiked his hair with pride. Hunter actually looked really good. Only a few attendees were shocked by his hair style, but his hair received received many more compliments than curious comments.