Thanksgiving in Prescott

Well, I know it's almost Christmas, but I couldn't let the year end without a blog entry devoted to our Thanksgiving in Prescott. We've been going up to Prescott for Thanksgiving for as long as I can remember. Brian's brother, Kevin, runs Friendly Pines Summer Camp up there, so all the Nissens (and sometimes my family has gone, too) along with anyone else who is invited that particular year gathers in the Lodge for a potluck Thanksgiving Dinner. Kevin and Tracy always provide the Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and gravy in addition to their hospitality. Brian's dad, Jim, always gets up early the next morning and makes a wonderful breakfast that we look forward to as much as anything. We love getting out of the valley and up into the pines. We love hanging out with Brian's family. I love being outside at night and not hearing sirens or cars driving by or even dogs barking. It's easy to forget what "quiet" sounds like when you live in the city.

In addition to the traditional feasting, we can always count on lively conversation, lots of laughs, games, walks down to the lake or Toby's Hole, exploring, reminiscing and just remembering all over again how great it is to be together.

Brian and his big brother, Kevin.

I didn't notice any bad bumps, but I liked the sign.

Thanksgiving is not Thanksgiving without the turkey AND without Grandma Nissen's cranberry jello with the little "sticks" in it as it is fondly referred to by Kevin.

These have also been around for years and years...salt and pepper shakers. The funny thing about them is that the holes are not big enough to actually get more than 3 specs of pepper or salt out, so they mainly serve as decorations and army guys. They sometimes even see battle, i.e. a match to the face by little rascals like Adam and cousin James.

Jon-Erik, relaxing with his guitar.

Watching the Cardinals game on Taylor's phone. I can barely see the ball on a normal screen. I don't know how they could get anything out of it. Spoken like a true "non-football" person!

A camp friend made Cream of Walnut soup, which tasted as fancy as the little cups they were served in.

Tracy, properly enjoying the delightful little soup.

We barely saw Emma the entire time. She entertained herself with Taylor's crutches for hours. Thanks, Taylor. :-)

The Nissen Matriarch and Patriarch: Barb and Jim

The girls took a walk on Friday, following breakfast and saw lots of great things...

Uncle Bud's cabin. I was interested in the little Swedish Dala Horse in the window. It looks old and weathered.

Tracy wanted me to take a photo of the GMC truck. I liked the pole with a blurred truck instead. :-)

Our walking companions: Aunt Tracy, family friend Caitlyn, and cousin Stevie

This is Huckleberry...mellow dog.

I think I love old cars. This old Mercedes caught my eye. It could have easily been in the movie, "Cars".

It still has some sparkle left.

This is my sister-in-law Tracy. She's a great friend and an inspiration in so many ways. Doesn't she have such a fresh, pretty face?! Talk about aging well. I don't even think she changes from year to year.

Last, but not least...

Luna, the cat, who kept getting in my way when I was trying to photograph the old car. I realized after it was all said and done that I did not get one photo of Simon, or Adam, who really were with us, I promise. Well, if you got this far, then you're either family or a really good friend! :-)