We had ourselves a pretty special Thanksgiving this past year. All of us Morans got together in Arizona where Pa-paw and Donna live to celebrate the holiday and spend some awesome time together as a family. We flew up on Tuesday--it was Will and John's first experience on a plane, and the first flight that Matt will remember. No lie, I was nervous about how it would all play out. Our flight was at 6 a.m. so we were up ridiculously early. Johnny did relatively well; his outbursts were caused by his inability to get up and roam throughout the cabin as he pleased. The books and snacks I bought helped for sure.
We arrived in Arizona with the whole day ahead of us. The rest of the family hadn't made it into Sedona yet so we decided we'd go ahead and spend the day sight-seeing. We drove all the way up from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon straight from the airport. The kids napped in the car, and we enjoyed seeing the amazingly breathtaking views on our drive. There was snow on the ground north of Flagstaff, and it was so beautiful to see it all around.
We made it up to the Grand Canyon, and the views were spectacular. We were all blown away by the sheer enormity of it. It was a clear, crisp day with gusty winds. We were only able to convince Will to wear a hat, and he pulled it off like a boss.
The Grand Canyon, you guys!!!!
I just love this picture of bearded Steven. Devilishly handsome!
Matthew, ever hungry for information, read all the signs that he came across.
We wound our way back through the most phenomenal mountain highway to get to Sedona where we were staying. Wearily, we ate a scrumptious dinner at our hotel and fell into bed. The next day we found a local park, and Pa-paw & Donna met us there to watch the kids run around. They took us back to their place, and we had a lovely time visiting with them. The kids were very interested in the photos and knick-knacks they saw around the place. They have a spectacular view off their balcony!
After nap time back at the hotel and time getting cleaned up we all (Dad & Ann, Bryan & Sarah, Caroline, Mary Claire) gathered for one big Moran family photo session in front of some beautiful outdoor scenery. It was so wonderful having all of us there together.
Ann snapped this lovely one of Steven & I.
The kids ran around blowing bubbles and acting perfectly childlike and happy together.
We all enjoyed dinner at a delicious local Mexican food joint called Elote. So yummy. The kids worked hard coloring some Thanksgiving themed coloring sheets.
Sisters!
Back at the hotel that evening Ann bought us some goodies to make s'mores with outside by the fire pit. It was a huge hit!
Yum yum.
No surprise, but not much sleep was happening for us on that trip. We squeezed John's pack & play into the bathroom vanity next to our bedroom with 2 queen beds that the rest of us slept in. John did not sleep like a baby. Quite the opposite, in fact. His schedule was all thrown off and the time difference really threw a wrench in it, so he didn't get too much rest. Therefore, neither did the rest of us. He took some good naps though, and we joined him a couple afternoons to catch some winks too. That's ok though---all well worth it to have this precious family time.
Thanksgiving day, we all spent the morning over at Pa-paw & Donna's just fellowshipping together and listening to Pa-paw recount some stories from his past. The kids gleefully ran around on the balcony and played together. Pa-paw & Donna had some sweet little gifts for all of us, and the kids loved getting to open them. Matthew was so tickled to get coins! And chocolate, of course.
Back at our hotel we all gathered to enjoy a very lovely Thanksgiving dinner. The hotel put on a really nice Thanksgiving buffet---the only thing missing was pecan pie! We had a nice private room and were able celebrate together as a family. Earlier that day while Steven, Will, John & I were back at the hotel for nap time the rest of the crew were out exploring a local state park. While there they concocted a little skit to perform during our Thanksgiving dinner. It was based on a true story from Pa-paw's childhood: when he was little his family did not have the means to buy a turkey for Thanksgiving, but while traveling they happened to be behind a turkey-hauling truck that lost a turkey from its cargo while they were driving--the Moran family picked it up and enjoyed a nice turkey for Thanksgiving that year while thanking God for his provision.
After stuffing ourselves, we changed clothes and gathered back outside by the fire pit to chat and watch the Texas Longhorns play football. Since it wasn't televised out there in Arizona, we huddled around Bryan's iPad and watched it.
Friday morning it was time for us to fly home; poor Steven had to be back at work on Saturday. Exhausted, we made the journey home. Johnny was no fun on the plane, but I am thankful that the Lord granted us a spot in the very back of the plane where we wouldn't bother anyone! I feel so blessed that we were able to go on this trip. I have such sweet memories of it, and it was so meaningful to all be together for Thanksgiving. It had been many years since I'd celebrated Thanksgiving with Pa-paw, and since we spent nearly every Thanksgiving with them as kids that particular holiday is just synonymous with my grandparents. Thanksgiving reminds me of Pa-paw getting up before the crack of dawn to put the turkey on the smoker, my mother and grandmother in the kitchen all day cranking out side dishes and pies, football on the tv, and Bryan & I playing hide & seek and all manner of games...all at their house in Kingwood. Getting to see my grandfather's sweet smile on Thanksgiving meant the world to me. So thankful.
