Columbus Thanksgiving

 We made the road trip to Columbus for Thanksgiving.  We drove through rain and it stuck around on Thanksgiving Day, but that didn't keep us from going for a walk. 

 Grandpa was in charge of the turkey - delicious!

 Grandma and Uncle Bill make last minute dinner preparations. . .

 A delicious dinner was had by all . . .except Annika (see couch).  Poor girl came down with a stomach bug on Thanksgiving. 

 Karl and I were in charge of the kids table (guess that's what happens when all the kids (except one) are ours!). 

 This tiger ride is great! 

 Wait a second, why is Sami tackling me? 

 I think I'm ready to get off. . .

 Annika and Lauren enjoyed playing games with Grandma and cousin Daniel.

 Upside down with Uncle Eric!

 The kids are in bed - time for Bananagrams!

 Annika still loves maps.  She spent about a half hour with Grandpa and the atlas, finding where all of her relatives live. 

 Grandpa and Grandma's balcony at the top of the stairs provided hours of entertainment.

 Uncle Eric PLEASE read me a book.

 This is not going to end well. . .

 Audrey had so much fun with Aunt Lesley. 

 This is my rather lame effort to make Annika appear like she is on the Alaskan tundra.  Believable? 

 Karl and I were able to go to the OSU/Michigan game free from children!  What a gift! 

 Script Ohio - a highlight of the afternoon.

 Karl had to show Lauren how to work his new birthday present. 

 Great Grandma gave Annika and Lauren early Christmas presents - can you guess what?

 We took our remote control boat along and enjoyed it's inaugural voyage. 

 Uncle Eric was Lauren's "best friend."

 Aunt Lesley was kind enough to help out when Sami became victim #2 of the stomach bug. 

 It was fun to be around family for my birthday.  We spent the actual day driving back to St. Louis which would have been fine had it not been for Sami's upset tummy. . .

Home again. . .and one year older/closer to 40.