Thanksgiving in Ohio

Carmella went on her first road trip this Thanksgiving. We travelled 5 ½ hours to Shelby, Ohio to celebrate the holiday with Sharon’s family. Our little pumpkin did very well—sleeping most of the way to and from Ohio. She was meeting everyone for the first time. Grandpa S. was especially happy to meet her since he didn’t get to come out with Sharon’s mom right after Carmella’s birth. She also got to meet her Aunt Kathy and Uncle Jason as well as the extended family including all of her second cousins.

The trip brought back memories from Sharon’s youth. The entire family used to gather at her grandmother’s house every Thanksgiving and do a Christmas exchange, changing Thanksgiving to “Christgiving”. The house was always filled with the smells of turkey dinner, the sounds of laughter and the warmth of being with a loving family. It was said this Thanksgiving that not everyone is as lucky to have such a loving family and one that you look forward to spending time with instead of dreading the holiday get-togethers. We do feel very lucky. I know that little Ella felt the love as she got passed around.

On the way home Ella had her first restaurant experience. Her mom and dad really wanted a break from driving so they stopped along the way (somewhere in Indiana) for a bite to eat and stretch break. She was a perfect angel during the meal…awake and not screaming…that’s all we can ask for at this point. The waitresses sure did ogle over her. She was as big a hit as the pumpkin pie.

The day after we got home it started snowing. We were going to get our Christmas tree that evening, but it was miserable outside (a mix of rain and snow) so we decided to save it for another time. Hopefully we will get one up and decorated by the end of the week.

Here are a few photos for you to enjoy…

[Ella and her Auntie Kathy...who is expecting by the way... Ella is helping her practice]

[Second cousin Anna plays with Ella.]

[All bundled up to take a stroll outside.]

[Grandpop S. getting acquainted with Ella. They shared some precious moments together.]

[A little drool never hurt anyone. I get that way too when I smell good cooking all day long.]