Thanksgiving And Surviving Winter Storm Bruce

Over all the years I’ve been married to my husband (12 to be exact), I have always hosted Thanksgiving at our house. We’ve always had the most space, so it just made sense. However this year, we decided we simply couldn’t let one more year go by without making an effort to spend time with the people I call family. Scott’s side of the family has been a prominent part of our lives more than mine because of location. So this year we made the trek by car four states away to Northern California to visit them. 

We broke up the trip into two days of travel both days, but on the way back home it ended up being three days due to Winter Storm Bruce delaying our travels.

Let me tell you a little about my foster family. When I needed a home Mel and Rich stepped up and took me in when I was a troubled teen runaway. They helped me grow a relationship with God, provided me a home, and helped me get into college. They went on to foster and adopt more children while Rich went into seminary and became a pastor. Rich currently pastor’s a church in Northern California where they reside. Living in Colorado, it means we really can’t see each other that often. So taking the time to do this now, while the kids are still young and fun to be around was a priority for us, especially since every holiday season until now was missed except for those times we FaceTimed or called each other. 

While we were there my nine-year-old son got baptized! He could have just been baptized at our church here, but I knew it would make the moment way more special having Rich do the honors. 

My six-year-old was also a hit that Sunday morning reading the church bulletin on stage. He was so excited to be in front of a crowd. He’s one fearless boy! I would have been terrified at his age. But not Braidy! He’s a born entertainer and was a hit reading the announcements. Everyone thought he was cute, and of course, his two missing front teeth helped with the overall cuteness factor. It was also neat to hear Rich preach for the first time. Prior to that, I had only seen him via the web. 

The next day we headed out to Monterey about two hours away and went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium that featured the most amazing sea life. I think it has been the best aquarium I’ve ever been too! Plus they do a lot of work to save and preserve sea life. 

We also took the time to go to Yosemite National Park! We were there shortly after the wildfires that broke out so the air quality was pretty poor, but on that day it was a bit clearer than the day before. We were able to get some good pictures inside the park. 

We spent the next two days prepping for Thanksgiving and eating all day long! Plus we celebrated Braidy’s birthday that evening too, so we were filled to the brim with the most amazing food! 

On Black Friday, instead of hitting the stores, we hit the road. We were trying to beat Winter Storm Bruce back but ended up getting caught right up in the middle of it. I will share that in part two because it has literally taken me a week just to get over the drive home from that. For now, I will end this blog post on a high note.  I’m grateful for the time we got to spend with each other. It doesn’t come often enough. I am grateful for technology that helps us be closer when distance separates us and I’m grateful for my husband’s vacation days. 

How was your Thanksgiving? 

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About Heather Jones

I'm just a wife and mom of two boys trying to find her place in this world. I enjoy walks around the lake, bible journaling, and RV camping with my family.

Heartfully Heather

 

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