We are happily safe and sound at home. We got home with enough time to let Fuller decompress and go to bed on time, which makes for a happier homecoming.

But getting on the road was met with a small bump. We had packed our bags and brought them out to the porch to sit while Damon arranged the bags in the trunk. We had presents from our Texas Santa and from the Thanksgiving Baby Shower to arrange, as well as the bags we brought for the trip. I put a small plastic bag with coffee, chai mix, and an unopened bag of goldfish crackers on the porch and then went into back into the house to do something.

While we were starting our task of packing, a neighbor’s dog, Delilah, was milling around the backyard, looking for the kids who were playing with her yesterday (my niece and nephew love that dog). When I came back outside, I saw Delilah was on her way home (across the slough) and Damon was all the way back to gate. I figured something was up, so I asked what was wrong. Damon replied, “That dog just stole the goldfish crackers!”

We didn’t chase her, but just laughed at the audacity of the dog to run off with an unopened bag of crackers. The little misadventure cost us maybe five minutes, and cost Fuller some goldfish, but we now know to make sure we keep any food away from furry paws when we are packing to go home.

We are still at Lake Martin, returning home tomorrow. Maybe Damon and I will be home in time to catch the season finale of The Amazing Race.

But I’m still focusing on thanks, and so we give thanks for:

~ rain (we really need it)
~ a store like an amusement park
~ crayons at restaurants
~ rest
~ Tums

We are thankful for:

~ more family
~ safe travel through fog
~ lots and lots of laughter
~ separate beds
~ Aunt Lois making our Thanksgiving Part 2 meal

Today we give thanks for:

~ family
~ marshmallows
~ generosity of others
~ Skype
~ morning fog

We are now holed up here at Lake Martin, anticipating a lazy Thanksgiving morning followed by a rush to get to Thanksgiving lunch at Aunt Frankie’s.

So today, we give thanks

~ safe travel
~ library book drop off box
~ cousins who like to run and shriek as much as Fuller (if not more, because there are three of them)
~ Hardee’s Friscoburger
~ a slight warm up of the weather

Today we give thanks for:

~ clementines
~ friends who make us come out of our hidey holes to have fun
~ reassuring kicking and punching coming from within
~ one hour photo with internet upload
~ a couch that is comfortable enough to sleep on all night