DYKSTERHOUSE NEWS: Thanksgiving 2009

We had such a great Thanksgiving this year and were able to see lots of extended family. A few days before we were scheduled to leave on our trip, I surprised Gary by giving him an early 30th birthday gift. It has always been his dream to go to a Michigan football game in the Big House. So, I sent him along with his brother, brother-in-law, and dad to THE game - Michigan vs. Ohio State. Even though this wasn't the best year for Michigan football, I hear that it was still a great game and a great experience. We just wish that Jimmy could have made it too - you were missed!

Chris, Andy, Don, and Gary

After the game, Gary's dad took the guys on a tour of the school. Both of Gary's parents went to U of M and Gary had never been there. They got to see old dorms, frat houses, and hangouts. It was really special for the guys to get a glimpse into their parents' past.

That night, Gary's Uncle Ken and Aunt Phyllis hosted the guys for dinner. They had a great time catching up, but the highlight of the evening was watching cousin Lisa's son, Brandt, entertain the crowds.

Gary had an extra night by himself in Detroit, so he decided to go to a Detroit Lions game. The game was a great one and the Lions ended up winning by one point as time expired. He said that he was hugging complete strangers in celebration - how fun!

While Gary was in Michigan, I headed over to Knoxville to spend some time with his sister and my nieces. Mary Laine and Gabby are at a fun age where they can really play with each other now. And Mary Laine loved watching older cousins Ainsley and Emma and learning new tricks from them.

Catherine and I loaded up the minivan with all four girls and made the trip to Charlotte. The girls were so good for us and the trip really went by quickly. But, we were obviously happy to be there and to get to see the rest of the family.

Grammy feeding Mary Laine Thanksgiving lunch

Mary Laine and Gabby snuggling with Uncle Jimmy

Triple Trouble - Gabby, Mary Laine and their foster cousin Alissa

"Almost-Aunt Kate" was a big hit with her gingerbread cookie making for the girls

Ainsley, Alissa and Mary Laine

Emma and Ainsley enjoying Thanksgiving Dinner

Mary Laine enjoying her Thanksgiving Dinner

The dogs were begging for Thanksgiving Dinner to be OVER

First Thanksgiving

Happy to be reunited with her daddy

Unfortunately, we had to cut our time with the Dyksterhouse family short because I (Kathryn) got strep throat. Thankfully, we had an army of helpers with Mary Laine as Gary got the car packed up to head to the beach and I laid on the couch and was pretty worthless.

Aunt Kelly with the girls

Our final leg of the trip was St. Simons Island to spend the weekend after Thanksgiving with Kathryn's mom's family. It has been a few years since we were all together, so it was a really special time for us.