A Reservation Thanksgiving

We loaded everyone up, and headed back home to Cheyenne River for Thanksgiving weekend. My mom was originally coming to Missouri, but we decided at the last minute to go up to South Dakota. At first the kids were disappointed that their Grandma was not coming, but soon perked up at the prospect of seeing all of their cousins. They also were jazzed up about getting to see some snow, since they just had a huge snow storm up that way. As we got closer they got more excited for the snow. Brendan had to stand on a lone snow patch he found in Iowa. What a disappointment when we arrived at Mom's, and the ground was just brown! It had warmed, and the snow they got melted. The trip up to SD is usually takes us about 12 hours, we did it in 10 1/2 hours. Burt is kind of the trip Nazi. lol He won't let us stop for anything, and this time he meant it. lol Actually, I was on board with him this time, because I just wanted the trip to be over. The kids were really good. Andrew was amazing~ sleeping a great deal, and rarely fussing. They are getting to be seasoned travelers.

My View for 10 1/2 Hours~

They Finally Found Some Snow in Iowa~

But It Was Just Brown at Grandma's~

We had a real good time seeing everyone. There were 25 of us at Thanksgiving dinner. My Mom had all of her kids there, along with all but one of her grandkids. My Aunt Karen and Uncle Elmer joined us for dinner. We had the dinner at my family's chapel. It has room for more people, and we could set up more tables. We cooked 4 turkeys. 2 were cooked traditionally, one upside down on a rack, and one was fried. It was my first time having a fried turkey, and it was really delicious. Kudos to DeLaine for a great fried turkey.

One Beautiful Lakota Girl Miss TC~

Two Beautiful Lakota Girls Miss TC and Ashton Christine~

Three Beautiful Lakota Girls~ McKenna, Sage, Keela

Fist Bump For Turkey~

My Beautiful Niece TC Entertaining Herself While Waiting~

Our Miracle David Paul, Such a Cutie~

Will 4 Turkeys Be Enough?~

Couldn't Wait For The Pumpkin Pie~

After we stuffed ourselves full of turkey, we retired back to Mom's house. We took family photos, played cards, and just hung out together. I think everyone had a great time. Especially the kids.

All of My Nieces and Nephews, Except One, With My Kids~

Playing Cards With Grandpa~

This Kid Is Too Cute~

Shia and Andrew Planning Their Escape~

Caught~

Mac and Mc~

My Mom's Dog Honey~

We stayed for three days leaving on Sunday. We got to visit Burt's family, and get into an amazing sweat. Brendan, Burt, and I went down below the bridge to find rocks for the sweat. It was really chilly, but worth it for the beautiful ceremony we had.

The Bridge~

Collecting River Rocks~

Stealing The Van~

We had such a blessed Thanksgiving, and were happy we made the trek. Seeing our family, and getting to sweat made the journey worthwhile. AND the kids finally got snow, on the morning we left. lol Hope you all had a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.

It Snowed So Much When We Left The Road Whited Out~