First Thanksgiving at home in 8 years!

I wanted to share a brief part of my Thanksgiving weekend with you.  I haven't been home for Thanksgiving in 8 years.  It just never worked out, and the last 2 years I haven't been home for that or for Christmas.  So, this year is quite the joyous occasion as I get to go home for both!  As a result I wanted to share some of my mini vacation with you.  First, because of commitments to work I wasn't able to leave for home until the day before--which is usually the way it is in the working world, so no big deal.  But, what I wasn't ready for was the traffic.  Normally my drive home is about 5 hours because of traffic in Chicago.  Not this time.  I drove 7 hours because of traffic in Chicago.  So, to give you an idea, see the picture below.

In the red circle on the bottom, that is total time in hours. Notice: 1 hr and 4 min.  In the red circle at top, that is total distance to destination, and then right below total travelled distance.  Notice: 10.32 miles.  Translation, it took me just over an hour to travel 10 miles from my house... ouch!  (side note: that max speed was not my driving, that was with someone else.)

On a brighter note, this is a photo of my neice, Megan.  It took her almost the whole time I was there to lighten up to me, and finally when she did she would whimper some when I wasn't around.  We'll see if she remembers me the next time I see her.  But isn't she cute?!

All in all the holiday time with my family was fantastic (outside of the drive out there).  It was great to see my parents, my sister and her daughter (her husband was away at training for his new job), and my dog.  There is so much to be grateful for in my life, and, even though I complain at times and wonder why things aren't going the way I would like them too--I wouldn't have it any other way.  I have grown in ways I never imagined, learned things that have changed my life, and been a part of things I never thought possible.  What a wonderful life it has been thus far, and I look forward to everything coming in the near and distant future!