Change of plans

My family won't be making the long trek {I mean drive} up to Washington State from Phoenix for the week of Thanksgiving for my side family reunion. My extended family decided to make it just my siblings, parents and grandparents. My sister, Tami, {who lives in Arizona as well} and I will fly up to Washington instead of driving for 2 whole days. Sweet. We won't be meeting on Thanksgiving day- but the weekend after.

I have mixed feelings about this decision.

I would love for my whole family to go on this trip to see their aunts, uncles, grandparents and great-grandparents. It's not like these family members know my children very well. We live too far away to see them often. It's kinda sad. {But I prefer living away from extended family at the same time.}

But then again, I really don't like driving long distances that much. I'm a flying kind of gal. {Probably because when I was a child my family moved so much -with my dad being in the military and all- we drove across country a couple times as well as flying overseas a couple of times. Plus, my hubby worked for an airline for several years and we could fly for free. I found out just how much easier flying everywhere really was.}

My husband is so wonderful. He will be caring for our 5 children as well as my sister's 3 children the weekend we are gone. :) What a guy! {Though he did admit he'd rather to do this then drive 4 days! haha Honestly, I don't blame him.}

I'm very excited for my trip. I get to go hang out with my 4 siblings I grew up with! I'm very close with my siblings. We talk on the phone several times a week. {I have 3 others that grew up in a different home. That's another reunion.} We will be with our parents and grandparents too. No children running around to care for- just us. We are having 'Thanksgiving' on Saturday the 29th and we are looking forward to cooking and baking together. {This means I will be making Thanksgiving dinner TWICE in one week. Sheesh.}

I rented a large {and absolutely beautiful} cabin from a friends parents for the occasion. It sits on the shore of Long Lake and looks like it should be in a magazine! {My mom's home isn't big enough for all of us.} From the cabins' windows and porch there are breathtaking views. We'll be enjoying the hot tub as well. Here's some photos of it:

In short- I'm really looking forward to my trip! I can't wait to hang out with my peeps. :) The last time ALL five of us siblings and parents were together in the same place was 10 years ago. This is a much needed and anticipated reunion!

PS} For my In-Laws' side of the family...I need to let you know that it's unfortunate that I won't have time to see you on this trip of mine. I will be with my family from Friday afternoon to Sunday morning- that's it. Sorry.