Thanksgiving 2012

Tomorrow is birthday party day.  Closely followed by Jack's actual birthday.  And then Drew's.  And then mine.  And then Christmas.  And somewhere in there I'm heading to San Diego for a couple of days.  So yeah, lots of stuff going on here.  Which is why I need to hurry up and tell you all about our Thanksgiving trip to California.  Was that already two weeks ago?

Without further adieu...Thanksgiving 2012!

Somewhat unexpectedly, we received an invitation from my Uncle Matt in Los Angeles to join the entire Wagner family for a California Thanksgiving.  It took about 2.5 seconds for Drew & I to respond with a resounding "yes!"  And just like that we were off.

Jack has flown once before but it was just shy of his 2nd birthday so he has no memory of it.  This time, he was absolutely stoked to be flying "in a jet".  And fortunately, he looked (and behaved) like a seasoned traveler.

Our family gathering included 14 adults and 4 kids under age 10.  Needless to say, perfect California weather and a pool in the backyard was enough to keep all 4 kids entertained for the entire visit.

Jack, Sidney, Ian, Charlie

 

 

I was so proud of those kiddos.  They were instant friends and behaved so well.  Every last one of them.

Of course, the main event was Thanksgiving.  A pool-side Thanksgiving dinner?  Yes please!

In addition to the 18 members of our family, Matt & Lynelle hosted several of their California friends for the meal for a total of 30 people.  If anyone can execute a dinner for 30 flawlessly, it's Lynelle Wagner.  I bow to you my dear!

Heather, Lynelle, Matt...prepping

 

This was both Drew & Jack's first trip to LA so we managed to fit in a bit of sightseeing as well. 

Drew had an incredible time with my Dad, Uncle Matt and Cousin Mark playing golf at Bel Air Country Club.

We took a drive down Rodeo and through the Hollywood Hills.

We made a stop at a legendary West Coast fine dining establishment.

 

We introduced Jackson to the Pacific Ocean.

 

 

He loved the beach and walking out to the water...until the waves came crashing.  At which time he turned and ran away.

Every. Single. Time.

 It was pretty hilarious!

Of course, the best part was spending time with our family.  Unfortunately, I was too busy having fun to take many photos of our clan.

Mom, Heather, Drew, Steve, Meredit, Mark

Mother and Son

Steve, Nana Gwen, Mom, Drew, Hal, Meredith

As usual, we left wishing we all lived closer and these visits weren't so few and far between.

A million thanks to Matt & Lynelle for hosting the whole crew.  It was absolutely lovely in every way.