Better grab yourself a snack, this is going to be a long post! This year for Thanksgiving the Tobler family was gathering in Georgia and we just couldn't miss out on the party. It is a 14 hour drive from KC to Fort Benning and so we decided to break up the journey there by stopping in at Jami's house in Nashville.
The drive to Nashville was awesome. It was a really quick 8 hours. The kids napped and we only stopped once to eat and run. Oh Nashville how I miss you!
The follwoing morning it was my birthday and one of the best gifts I got was seeing this lovely lady. I miss Jami and I was so glad that we got to see each other even if it was only for a few hours.
The kids had a great time playing too!
I was pretty nervous about driving with the kids so I came prepared. I made trays for them out of cookie sheets and tied them to their chairs. I also had new everything for them. New toys, new puzzles, new quiet activities, and new snacks. That was a game changer and it really helped. We also tried to not let them watch shows when it was light out. Once the sun went down we mounted the tablet to the top of Sprouts Car seat and they got to watch new shows. after their show, I told them it was time to sleep and turned everything off. Handed them their blankets and they were out. They were awesome. If Sprout squawked, I would feed him a pouch to fill his little tummy. And if he was restless E would feed him baby cheetos. He had a new toy or two but was mostly entertained watching the kids and he hardly made a peep the entire trip. if we go on a long road trip again though, I will bring my pump. I was SO full because we only stopped every four hours or so and when we did take Sprout out of his chair, he was so wiggly he really didn't want to nurse. I was in a lot of pain. So next time, I'll pack the pump.
The drive from Nashville to Fort Benning took another 7 hours. Traffic was insane. But at long last.... we made it!!! Violet promptly gave me a birthday crown! How special!
Everyone said reasons why they loved me and there were several renditions of Happy Birthday. I felt very loved. Thanks everyone!!
Then it was time for fun!!!!
Gathering firewood!
It was Sprout and Millie's first Thanksgiving and they are just the cutest little turkeys you ever did see!!
Dinner was brought to you by Publix and thank heavens. It was warm and serve and it made Thanksgiving day so much more enjoyable without having to spend all day in a very limited kitchen. It was also delicious!
Sprout was digging the sweet and regular potatoes.
i made these skirts for the girls three(?) years ago. I think I may meed to make a new set for next year.
Reunited at LAST!
I know it isn't centered, but I love this picture.
That evening it was time for teh traditional Gratitude Tree. I love seeing what everyone writes down.
A little screen time.
Glow Stick Party!
Janet got all of the kiddos matching shirts and gosh darn it they looked cute!!! Thanks Janet!!
The next day we played... and we played HARD!
Parachute fun!
The boys showing off their skills they learned at the brothers reunion.
A little tatoo time.
Then Gramma suggested that the kids make fairy houses and that is exactly what they did for the rest of our trip! It kept them busy for hours. I was really impressed with their creations. This cabin was great, the kids could just roam free and the weather was PERFECT!
I was even more impressed with the teepee's the kids came up with!
Time for pictures. MIA: Charlie, Presley, Emersyn and Landon.
The girls.
The boys.
We sure do love Gramma and Pa!
Our final day we packed up and got ready for our trek back home. We were not ready for the fun to end. Before we left we had to see how Charlie's rocket worked. We were a bit skeptical at first and then....
Before we got in the car I painted faces. I need to work on my painting face, I promise I wasn't mad!
Once last picture with her house.
Goodbye Cabin.
And we started our trek back home. This time we were driving straight through. Armed with lots of soda and Red Bulls.
The kids did amazing. We stopped once to eat and run and then we were back in the car. I couldn't be more thankful for how well these three did!! We rolled in at 4:05 a.m. and we were beat. It was so worth it!
And just like that, it's a memory! As much fun as we had, the kids had even more fun! I am so thankful for this family and for the fun we have when we get together! We can't wait until the next gathering! I love our Tribe! Happy Thanksgiving!
