Ekins Express

Thanksgiving 2009

This year was what Papa Doug called "a Pilgrim-Indian kind of Thanksgiving." We combined a whole lot of people for one big feast! We all gathered at Natalie's home in Diamond Valley with Matt's parents, my parents, two of Matt's sisters and their families, Tom and his family, and Rita. 22 of us in all. Natalie and Kevin's home was perfect and they were both so gracious to welcome us and make us feel very comfortable. Aside from a delicious meal with lots of yummy pies, we rode on the four-wheelers, on Kevin's new motorcycle, and in his restored Camaro. We also had a Pool Table tournament and played Fuseball while the kids danced and we all laughed.

We took a break the next day and went Black Friday shopping! Grandma Joyce had never been before and was really excited to go. On Saturday, Matt took Abby back to Aunt Natalie's for a ride on her horse while the girls went to New Moon. That night the Garner fam went to Brick Oven (thanks Mom and Dad!) and then separated for Rita to watch the girls at home while Mom and Dad and Matt and myself went to The Blind Side and Tom and Hill went to New Moon. Both movies were great. New Moon followed the book really well and had a lot of cool effects, etc. But I must say that The Blind Side took the cake for me. Very inspirational, uplifting, funny, and all the good stuff you get in a true story. I'd rank it up there with "Rudy."

On Sunday, a few of us gathered at the church to give Rett a name and a blessing. It was beautiful. I am grateful for such a sweet boy who I know was determined to get to this earth. I'm grateful for a husband to be able and willing to pronounce a special blessing on his son's head and to have those closest to us join with him in the circle. After the blessing, Matt and myself shared our testimonies, along with Grandma and Grandpa Garner and Aunt Kathryn. Afterwards, we went back to the house for brownies and ice cream. Then we all said our goodbyes and were grateful for another fun-filled Thanksgiving!


Lynn and Kathryn Spencer (Matt's sister)


Cousin Sebrina holding Rett who is wearing a hat that she made for him. We were all laughing because it was too small!


Aunt Rita rocking Rett to sleep. He got lots of holding time.


The Pie Master - Grandma Ekins


The Turkey Carver - Grandpa Garner


Abby chillin' with cousins Aubrey and Sebrina


Cousins Elsie and Adelyn with mom Hillary


Abby dancing with cousin Cody


He looks good, eh?! Kevin spoiled us and let us go for a ride. Only thing is, we ran out of gas once we were on the highway. Thank goodness for the reserve tank. So fun... I want a bike!





Duck-Duck-Goose


Abby riding Natalie's horse with Sebrina






Abby fell asleep at 6:30 on Sunday night. She was exhausted from such a fun weekend!


Aubrey had fun making Rett a comfy bed on the couch. He was still wearing his blessing outfit. It's the same outfit Matt wore for his baby blessing that his mom made for him. More pictures of the special day to come. Uncle Tom took lots of pictures!