This was the first year in a very long time that the Blughesworths were not all together for Thanksgiving and the Hughes/Barrows family were very missed. Thankfully, the rest of us were able to gather in sunny St George for good food, lots of pickleball and pandemic relief. It was expecially fun to have Jake and Callie and the boys here and we discovered how much we have missed homemade rolls and babies! (Callie proved to be Audrey's daughter 100% in the baking department).
Monday night Luke, (and his dog Hershey) Anna and Halle Caviness came from Provo a couple of nights early. They were a little shaken after witnessing the suicide of Luke's roommate and needed to be in a safe place with people. Thankfully we could put Luke in the trailer in the garage- such a blessing for him to have his own space.
On Wednesday Tony had to work, so the rest of us shopped and played. Early afternoon Tony was asked to come evaluate our neighbors cut finger for stitches and got to escape work early! We had our hungry pilgrim feast and tucked in for games and talk. Andrea and I ran a plate of pie out to Wilson, but his COVID exposure prevented him from coming.
Our feast on Thursday went so smoothly. Tony's smoked turkey was amazing. I'm grateful he takes over that part. Everyone pitched in and dinner was delicious, nothing burned or raw. One highlight of the day was the drive-by grandparents that dressed up in their finery and came for a plate to eat in their car.
Jack did really well and was enthralled with the baby. He and Sam spent several morning at the gym and Jack was a particularly good friend to him. Max isolated most of the time, but I tried hard to notice his efforts at connection. Eli and Jonah were especially kind and took a plate of food to Wilson. I know he appreciate seeing his friends and being remembered.
Friday Tony and Jake went mountain biking then met us at Aspiration Point. Everyone came and hiked the whole thing-a Thanksgiving miracle. We celebrated our hike with Popeyes and then enjoyed the sunny afternoon together. Tony, Jason, Jonah and Lily played almost 6 hours straight of pickleball and loved every minute. Sam figured with everyone here it was a great time to celebrate his birthday. He picked up donuts and pizza and we had an unofficial birthday party celebrating his 14th!
By Saturday most everyone had caught a flight or headed north and we got to enjoy a calm peaceful day with Callie and Jake and the boys. Jake and Tony did a bit more mountain biking and Callie Eliza and I did a little shopping. I got to spend a lovely afternoon watching the boys. Both Henry and Oliver bring me so much joy. If this is grandparenting, count me in.
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I like the pie and the leaves. I like that there isn't a focus on gifts, but a great focus on connection. I'm so grateful that COVID didn't rob us this year of my favorite time.
One extra special Thanksgiving blessing was the chance to see the Arslanians and enjoy the kids for the afternoon. They are such special people and I miss them so much.
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