Thanksgiving Weekend

We traveled to Pensacola, Florida for Thanksgiving. The drive there took about 13 hours. It normally takes us about 11 hours, but there was a section of I-10 that was shut down due to some sort of fire. We wound up having to take 75 mile detour. We left at 4:30 in the morning and go their about 5:30. So needless to say, we were pooped once we arrived.

Thursday morning we slept late and then made it to my Great Aunt's Cornelia's (affectionatley known as Neely) house. My Dad and StepMom: and a couple of cousins and their families were all there. Cousin Dawn and her daughters Jallissa and Jordan:

Cousin Rhonda, her husband Erwin and their daughter Erin:

Next stop was my Grandmother's (affectionately known as MaDea). This is where we spent the rest of the day. There were almost 40 people at her house. There were people in the kitchen, (My nephew Jaylen, Mom and son Christopher) dining room (Uncle Amos) living room, (2nd cousins, Ebony and Chadae, husband Shedrick, 1st cousin, Kevin)

and bedrooms. We were everywhere! I got to see one of my first cousins that I haven't seen in five years, plus two of her children that I have never met. Here is a picture of her family:

I had not planned to go out at all on Friday until my Dad called to say to meet him at JCPenney's. That means that he's buying. :-). So we packed the family up and headed out to the mall. Of course their were people everywhere, but we didn't go until around 12 or so so it wasn't as bad as I though it would be. The kids were able to get some new clothes and of course that makes me happy. :-)

Sabbath morning we decided to stay at the house and have worship so we sang songs, prayed and read the Bible. We had a delightful time.

We left at around 3:30 a.m headed back to Texas. The day after Thanksgiving is one of the worst days for travel so we left bright and early. My Aunt left her cell phone so we stopped in Brusly,LA (across the river from Baton Rouge). We always stop at a nice hotel for restroom breaks. The bathrooms are always nice and clean, and there is usually a gas station close buy.

We made our last stop at Souper Salad and then gassed up at Sam's Club right next to it. The gas price was less than $3/gal for Premium! We made it home around 5:00, which is not bad considering our stops. Another trip that was well worth it.

So for this Thanksgiving, I am thankful for family and for safe travels to and fro.