THANKSGIVING BREAK

Luke and I left bright and early Wednesday morning for Kansas.  After dropping the dogs off at their doggie hotel we were on our way.  We made the drive in pretty good time (only 9.5 hrs) and had the evening to relax with family.  I was able to meet up with my family and go to a birthday party and then headed back to the Simmering's for a good nights sleep.  Driving wears me out so I was ready for a nice warm bed.  Luke was up at 5:30 the next morning to hunt so I sat around and watched Molly work in the kitchen, preparing for the lunch feast.  When the hunters arrived home we all showered and got ready for the day.  Molly had prepared the traditional Thanksgiving meal and it was GOOD!  We were also able to celeberate Mary's birthday with the entire family which was fun! Luke and I hadn't seen Mary since last New Years Eve so it was great to get to spend some time with her.  We also got to meet Andy, her boyfriend for the first time.  Luke approves with is a pretty big deal.  He takes his role as big brother very seriously and doesn't approve easily.  He acted the same way with Katie, too.  He may be her little brother but he is very protective of her as well.  So Phil, be glad he loves you!! ;) 

Friday we spent at my parents.  I woke up bright and early to shop with my Lauren her fiance, my mom and a friend.  We had a great time.  Consumed TONS of caffeine and spent some quality time together.  I even made a few purchases, no Christmas gifts but a few shirts for myself and a game for Luke and I!  That afternoon I WORKED!  I do my dad's payroll so I went into the office and spent a little time there getting everyone paid before Dad and I headed back to Wichita to shop for cars.  I have always been his helper when it comes to cars!  We have alot of fun looking and spending time together.  I think we decided on another Maxima, they just set the bar a too high.  The others we looked at didn't measure up!  That evening we had Neufeld Thanksgiving at my parents house.  It was so great to see all the cousins and aunts and uncles.  We dont' get to see that group very often so we really enjoy our time together when we get it!  We will try and see them all again at Christmas but with Anna's due date and all the other Christmas activities going on I'm not sure that we will get to see most of them.  Saturday I got to do some wedding shopping with my mom and sisters.  Since I live 10 hours away I dont' get to be a part of most of these trips so I was so glad to get to tag along.  We went and bought samples of fabric for the bridesmaids dresses.  After bringing them to the seamstress that evening Lauren was able to pick one and has officially ordered the fabric!!  We will all get measured when we are together over Christmas so she can begin sewing!  I can't wait to see the finished dresses, they are going to be super cute!  Lauren has such good taste!  It makes me want to get married all over again, just to get to do all the planning and shopping!

Sunday we were up early to hit the road.  Our drive took a little longer because of all the traffic but we made it in about 10 hours, just in time to pick up Buddy and Kato from their vacation.
attempted family pictures.
Thursday with the Simmerings

Friday with the Raleighs