Austin's first Thanksgiving

On Tuesday afternoon, Austin, David and I flew to Jacksonville, Florida.  Amazingly, the flight wasn't full so Austin got his own seat on the plane.  He was awake the whole flight which worked out well because we still had a 3 hour drive to Vidalia, GA that night.  I think Jacksonville's humidity is worse than Houston.  After walking from the terminal to the rent car lot and putting the bags in the car, I felt like I had run 10 miles. My clothes were drenched and my face was dripping in sweat.  It wasn't just me; David felt the same.  We hit the road to Vidalia and Austin napped.  We stopped for dinner at the Cracker Barrel in Brunswick, GA and gave Austin a bottle while there.  It reminded me of my childhood when we used to drive to Georgia from San Antonio.  We would always eat at a Cracker Barrel along the way.  We arrived at the Americinn in Vidalia around 11pm.  Luckily we had reserved the "honeymoon suite" so that we would have more space.  They gave it to us at the McArthur family reunion discount rate of $100/night.  It was spacious (had a corner for the pac 'n play crib that came all the way from Houston in my aunt's car) and had a fireplace and whirlpool tub.  Although it was spacious, we could still hear every noise Austin made, including his coughing.  He was wide awake from 3:30-5 that first night and I ended up nursing him back to sleep.  The other two nights he did fine; it must have been the new place.  On Wednesday my mom came to the hotel (she had been there since Monday sleeping at the farm house) to see Austin.  We all went out to McGregor, where the farm house is, to see Uncle Don (my mom's uncle) and eat lunch.  My aunt Mary Carol and cousin Camille were there too since they drove from Houston with my mom.  Austin enjoyed rocking in the chairs on the porch, so much that he fell asleep.

On Wednesday afternoon, we went to visit uncle Bill and his wife Evelyn.  Bill is my Granddaddy's only remaining sibling.  Austin decided to snooze through this visit.  Every Wednesday night, we all go to Anice's house (my mom's cousin) for a Brunswick stew dinner, complete with congealed salads and caramel layered cake.

Uncle Stephen holding our little man while waiting for Brunswick stew

After dinner, we went back to the hotel and visited with all of the other cousins who were staying there.  Austin enjoyed playing on the bed in the room with all his girl cousins.  He was the center of attention!

Smiling big for DiDi

Thanksgiving morning always starts off with a small church service at McGregor Presbyterian church.  It is just our family and we fill the whole sanctuary.  We sing a couple of songs and share our family news from the past year.  This year Anice shared the history of the McArthur house and farm with everyone.  Austin enjoyed singing with everyone and continuing to talk during the family news.  David walked outside with him when he started to fuss, and he eventually dozed off on his shoulder.  We headed back to the house for a group photo (all 73 of us).  Only one camera is allowed for that one and everyone can order a copy (thank goodness).  After the photo, lunch is served.  Tables are set-up throughout the house so that all 73 can have a seat.  DiDi and Aunt Ricki were kind enough to hold the little guy while David and I ate our Thanksgiving turkey, etc.  

Stephens/Hunt/Hendrix shot

Family shot

Who are all these cousins?

Mommy's happy little turkey!

After changing clothes back at the hotel, we headed out to the Little House.  The Little House is a cabin on Anice's property that has a fishing pond and land to ride horses and drive 4 wheelers.  We eat dinner out there every Thanksgiving evening, including leftovers and some BBQ ribs.  After the sun goes down, we gather around the fire.  Austin put on his "bear" fleece to keep warm.  

My little bear

Hanging out with Aunt Lauren

Happy with Great Aunt Mary Carol

Austin loves his cousin Camille

And of course his cousin Claire

After dinner at the Little House, we headed back to the hotel to take over the lobby to watch the last Texas vs Texas A&M game.  What a great game!!!  Hook 'em!  Austin entertained us on the floor while we watched the game.  

Happy boy with Aunt Lauren

Mommy's little turkey

On Friday, we packed up, said some goodbyes, and headed back to the Little House for leftovers for lunch.  Austin wore his other Thanksgiving outfit (thanks Aunt Ricki!).  

I love my turkey shirt!

Happy boy with DiDi and Stacy

I love DiDi

Check it out - I am sitting up!

We flew out of Atlanta on Friday night and Austin did great on the flight again.  The next time we go to Georgia for Thanksgiving, Austin will be eating turkey and stuffing!