November in California - #5 - The End!

What a blessing to share Thanksgiving with our California kids. Jeff and Caroline have a wonderful ministry on Thanksgiving and Easter where they invite other families to join them - families who do not family in the area and who would otherwise be alone. Jeremy and Renee hosted her family. Since this day was also Maddie's second birthday, we went there later for dessert.

 Love time with Cole!

The men of Thanksgiving Day! No photos of the women. Guess we were too busy socializing or preparing food! :)

Father Daughter.

Sisters.

Tables stretched from dining room into the living room. We were 22 in all!  Jeff asked his Dad to share some thoughts, which he did on family and community.

Jeff read scripture and prayed.

And then the food line began. It was truly a "groaning table". Caroline did a wonderful job of planning the menu. Everyone brought LOTS of really flavorful and yummy food. There was so much left that everyone took home another meal for their family!

Mother Son.

Princess for the Day. Maddie had a great birthday celebration. She loved her little cupcake so much that she ate two of them!

Daddy helped her open her presents. She loved her little doctor's kit!

We left for home the next day. The first night we had arranged a meeting place in Utah to visit Rich's brother, Bob. What a lovely, sweet overnight visit with much conversation on what God is doing in our lives.

We met friends Carey and Nancy and Sally and Milford in Denver. They were spending the night at The Brown Palace Hotel in downtown Denver and we were able to join them there. It was beautifully decorated for Christmas, as you can tell from the hotel atrium. We had a lovely dinner with them at Sullivan's in downtown Denver!

The next morning we met for breakfast at the hotel. Lovely! These two couples are long-time friends, whom we met on our trip to Thailand in 2004. We always enjoy our visits with Carey and Nancy and it was great to reconnect with Milford and Sally.

As we were finishing our morning breakfast the hotel was setting up for the Sunday morning brunch. It is reported to be fabulous. Isn't this ice sculpture a gorgeous backdrop for the seafood station? You should have seen the desserts!!!

We completed our night with a stay with Carey and Nancy at their Ft. Collins home. We have such a great time playing Contract Gin, going for breakfast at Lucille's and eating dinner out. Conversation is abundant! They are dear friends, indeed!

After four weeks and 3672 miles we arrived safely home, just in time to start the Christmas season.

The day after we returned, I saw the girls getting off the school bus. I knocked on the window and they came running.

"You were gone so long!". "We missed you!" So sweet to get such precious hugs and love on our return!

Thank you Lord for such a wonderful trip with our dear family and friends. Thank you for your safety and protection! We are most blessed!