What I'll Remember About Thanksgiving 2009

• Mirabeau Park Hotel--The kids had a half-day of school so we only made it as far as Spokane on Wednesday. Our hotel room was adequate even if it was in desperate need of an update from its 70's decor. But with Priceline, you get what you get for your lowball offer. The hotel's best amenity was its "year-round outdoor pool." The kids were determined to get in even though the outside air was in the 30's. I wasn't brave enough try the pool but the kids had a blast! I did think the hot tub was great, though. We ended up with our own private, night-time pool party which was a good thing since Jon had to get inventive after forgetting to pack swim trunks.
• Thanksgiving feast that I didn't have to cook--We pulled into Helena just as the rolls were being pulled from the oven. Within fifteen minutes, I was filling my plate with all the traditional fixings and I didn't lift a finger...not even to do dishes. Delish!
• Turkey Bowl--We walked down to the park to help ease our overstuffed bellies. Caleb, Alyssa and Maureen beat us in a very short football game. Caleb would spend the rest of the weekend drawing up plays for a rematch that would never happen.
• Planet 51--Maureen and I took the kids to the movies on Thanksgiving night. It was a cute show and a fun holiday outing.
• Alyssa sleeping in a toddler bed--probably the only time in her life that her feet will feel the end of a bed. Who knew a nine-year-old could still fit in a toddler bed?
• Mt. Helena--Jon and I headed out for a morning hike while the rest of the world crowded stores for their Black Friday deals. The hike was so much fun even if our legs are still sore three days later.

Almost there...

At the summit.

• Staggering Ox--What trip to Helena would be complete without the famous Clubfoot sandwich? Jon, however, announced that my version of his favorite dish, the pizza potato, is better than the original. How nice.
• Sales tax-free shopping--I love saving that extra couple of dollars. And I love that all the stores are so close and accessible. And I really love that I can do it all kid-free as well!
• Breakfast--Grandpa's a veritable short-order cook and always provides us anything our hearts desire for breakfast.
• The Carousel--Again, what would a trip to Helena be without a stop at the carousel? The kids had a great time and it was fun to see Santa riding, too.

• Grandpa walking the kids to Hardees for lunch--So sweet to watch them walk off together all bundled against the cold. And it allowed Maureen, Jon and I to have a kid-free lunch together at Chilis. Fun stuff.
• Pie!--So yummy! I ate some every day.
• BYU 26, Utah 23 in OT--Such a perfect way to end a fabulous holiday. We were screaming...some of us louder than others but I'm not naming any names.

It was a fabulous holiday and worth every single "Are we there yet?" that Natalie whined along the way...both ways.

Happy Thanksgiving!