Thanksgiving in Michigan

It was a pleasure for our little family of three to travel to Michigan this year and not only enjoy Thanksgiving day, but to spend almost an entire week with the Russell clan. It was a long and tough travel, there were 14 of us living under one roof, and our "quiet" and "normal" life was turned upside down as it became anything but quiet or normal. But, it was also a welcome change and a unique and special time for The Russell's. While most of us live in or near our home town, Uncle Ben and Aunt Jennifer have spent most of the last decade on the east coast with their growing family. We don't get to see them often. In fact, prior to our visit, they had not met Peyton and we had not met their youngest (just a couple weeks younger than Peyton). Uncle Ben, Aunt Jennifer, Grandma Michelle (Jennifer's Mom, now living with them), Jasper, Savannah, Walker and Gracelyn, all graciously opened their hearts and home to welcome us and make us feel at home away from home last week.

The 5 kiddos warmed up quickly to one another and were a wonderful source of entertainment ALL DAY LONG! Peyton had known of his cousins from pictures and stories, but after a week with them, he now really knows and loves them. Of course they are all beautiful, intelligent and incredibly cute kids. Here's how we got to know them, from Peyton's perspective.

Let's meet the cousins:

Jasper - 6.

The big cousin. A security net for Peyton. Gentle and understanding of the ways of "the littles" (aka little kids). Most willing to tolerate the antics of a toddler and share even the most sacred of treasures. Always good for a cuddle on the couch.

Savannah - 4

Loves to color beautiful pictures and can spend long periods of time deep in her world of art, but not without the periodic interest and/or attempts to derail her attention from her art, by "the littles." Not surprisingly, she was very tolerant and patient with this unsolicited attention. A problem solver and a mediator. Kind hearted and very helpful.

Walker - 3.

Witty and clever. He calls it like it is, as demonstrated on our first night in Michigan. All the kiddos were sitting together on the couch (Peyton next to Walker). Walker looks towards Peyton and asks, to no one and everyone at the same time, "Who is this guy?" Good question. Walker is the closest "big boy" (in age) to Peyton and so most interesting to watch, model and hands down the greatest source of competition and tension for Peyton. Now that we are home he is still the most talked about. In fact, our play times now begin with Peyton saying endearingly, "Walker, come play with Peyton," and end with Peyton frustrated and hollering, "Walker! Don't do that, Walker!" Hmmm...to reiterate, Walker is no longer around for this play! :)

Gracelyn - 2 (16 days younger than Peyton)

The baby. Not the least bit interested in sharing her "baby" status with Peyton. Least willing to cuddle and love on Peyton, yet most desirable target of Peyton's affection (and more than willing to snuggle and cuddle with most everyone else. Warmed up to Peyton after a few days as the two enjoyed playing together on several occasions, as 2 year-olds play. Peyton was careful, helpful and concerned with Gracelyn's emotions and needs. The two really were kindred spirits.

Below are many photos (some courtesy of Aunt Cheri) of our week together:

Thanksgiving Day

Nana & Papa

Steve & I

Peyton & I at the kids table.

Jasper, Aunt Cheri, Savannah, & Nana

Steve, Walker & Savannah

Gracelyn & Peyton

Hang Time:
Uncle Ben (left), Walker (front), Papa (right), Jasper & Gracie (on trampoline)

Peyton's dream - a tractor his size!

Uncle Luke & Peyton

Doing a little kids yoga (Alligator pose)
Peyton, Jasper, Walker & Uncle Ben

Walker, Uncle Luke & Jasper

Aunt Jennifer & Jasper

Jasper & Peyton

The Grand Rapids Zoo:

Grandma Michelle & I with the kids.

Uncle Luke pushing "The Littles"

Aunt Cheri & Savannah

The silly zoo crew

One last hurrah at the neighborhood park:

and play time in the biggest leaf pile I've ever seen!

A special moment:

Three generations of Russell's

Parting Ways:

One final cousin moment and good-byes.

Thank you once again Uncle Ben, Aunt Jennifer, Grandma Michelle, Jasper, Savannah, Walker and Gracelyn for the wonderful memories. We look forward to our next gathering and hope it isn't another three or four years (although it may take us that long to recover from the busyness of the week - kidding)! It truly was a very blessed and happy Thanksgiving.