MN Thanksgiving

Warning: Lots of pictures! Long posting!

I spent a happy several days in Minnesota with my children and grandchildren and to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. I rode up with Rob, Carrie and Eleanor, who read several books to me during the ride. Betsy and her family arrived about 15 minutes before we did. Henry was already at work helping Will make pizzas for supper.

Clara waited patiently for her slices.

As did Eleanor.

Meanwhile, Pete and Henry watched Rob play an old-timey game of Simon.

Anders likes pizza too.

Eleanor loves to read.

Naturally, there was some football watching to be done. It's a guy thing.

We spent lots of time at this table over the several days. On Thursday, Sandy made great sticky buns and a breakfast casserole.

Anders was all dressed up for Thanksgiving. I understand Carrie made him this sporty-looking sweater.

Eleanor read more books.

The guys watched more football. (Except for Will, who was slaving away in the kitchen most of the day. He fixed a wonderful turkey dinner.)

Rob showed Eleanor and the other kids one way to play with dominos.

One end of the Thanksgiving table was adorned with these two delightful guests.

While these two anchored the other end.

Naturally, some pinball playing had to take place (in a nuclear free zone).

Clara decided that she had seen enough football.

While Anders lobbied for an outing.

On Friday, we decided to visit the Como Zoo, so Clara donned her hat.

At the zoo, Henry posed by the statue of Don, the gorilla.

Here's the whole gang. I shot about 15 pictures trying to get one with everyone looking at the camera. This was the best I could do, given the distractions and the posing. What a great bunch!

Back in the main building, one of the zoo personnel told a story to a group of children visitors. Henry must have been playing one of the parts in the story--notice the pelt he is holding. He was very attentive.

Afterwards, father and son walked back to the car.

Later, Clara decided to style her dad's hair.

Clara played "I spy" with me.

Sarah and Josh came over on Friday evening. This was Josh's first introduction to all of his new future in-laws. He made a big hit. Sarah, Betsy, Sandy, and Carrie spent lots of time discussing weddings and wedding planning.

Since Will, Sandy and Anders were not able to be in Chicago on the 21st, Will surprised Henry with another birthday cake. I think Henry was a little in awe of the extra attention and the rousing singing of "Happy Birthday to You" by all of us. In truth, Will and Sandy may also have seen this as a good excuse to have one of their favorite cakes from the 50's Diner.

Will gave Henry two Lego sets and then was very patient in helping him put them together.

On Saturday, Pete and I were in charge of breakfast. We did good.

Anders was dazzled with our cooking skills.

Henry showed off on of his completed Lego models.

Anders and his dad took a break from the cooking.

As they say, it doesn't get better than this.