After a LONG wait, one of our favorite family traditions was finally back! Thanksmas 2023 was happening after a 2-year hiatus, and all 6 of the Courtright family were so excited to attend. It can be challenging to work around everyone's schedules, but we made it work and even managed to book our flights together. We hadn't even made it to the airport before the fun was already beginning. Anticipating the long nights of basement card games in the days ahead, Collin and Kevin downloaded an app to practice playing Jeff's midwestern family's favorite card game, euchre. Soon, they were teaching Connor and Kaitlynn how to play so that everyone could get in on the fun. I couldn't resist snapping these photos in the airport as I marveled at how much our family has grown over the years. In my mind's eye, I still see Connor as the little guy when now he towers over us all!
As excited as we were to get to our initial destination, Chicago, we were quickly sidelined when Connor began feeling bad on the plane. By the time we arrived at our hotel, it was obvious that he had come down with something and needed to be seen by a doctor. Thank goodness for the late night, urgent care clinic down the road from our Chicago hotel. Connor was given several tests and deemed to be suffering from an ear infection that could be treated with an antibiotic. What a huge relief that it was treatable and not contagious!
The next morning, we drove from Chicago to Saugatuck, MI where the fun would soon be underway. We were so excited to be reunited with our hostess, Aunt Patti, along with the entire Arndt extended family gang. The kids quickly settled into games of euchre and ping pong, and we didn't waste any time before diving into all the yummy eats and treats. It was hard to believe we hadn't seen each other in almost 3 years, but the Arndt cousins were there to remind us of how much time had passed. They had all grown so much taller and bigger since our last visit in 2019!
The usual basement shenanigans commenced downstairs with boisterous games and pantry shots, along with no shortage of fun and laughter as we all enjoyed being back together. It was fun to see the Courtright boys all join in on the card games and ping pong. As always, the noisy and rowdy crew kept it up until the wee hours each morning, as evident by the woozy smiles from the packed pantry. Ha!
On Thanksgiving day, the family traditions continued with potato peeling by all the Courtright men. When it was time to eat, there was so much food to enjoy and barely enough spots to sit for the ever-growing family. Jeff's niece, Nicole, and her mom Tina were able to join us this year for the very first time, and it was so special to share the fun and chaos with them. With full bellies and hearts, the games continued, and it was such memorable family time that we cherish and were so thankful to be a part of again.
After our Thanksgiving feast, I made the kids step outside for a rare family photo of the 6 of us. It was a beautiful, chilly day and I was so thankful for these great pics. Hard to believe how much we've all changed over the years!
Back inside, the card games continued but there was also a new event this year - the family ping pong tournament organized by Jeff. He drew up brackets for the kids and adults, and then the competitors spent Thanksgiving Day playing their assigned games in the bracket. They all really got into the competition! The games lasted all day and in the end, it was Ryan versus Jeff for the championship. After a hard fought battle where Jeff sweated through his nice shirt, he walked away victorious and celebrated with a pantry shot!
Upstairs, the kids enjoyed some cookie decorating and the ladies had the usual "girl gift" exchange, one of my personal favorite activities of every Thanksmas visit. Jeff's favorite time is always the Christmas songs, ending with "12 Days of Christmas" when we likely wake the neighbors from all the boisterous singing. It was such a special time of togetherness for all of us - truly heartwarming to finally be back together again and celebrating Thanksmas with our beloved traditions.
As always, the time flew by and before we were ready, it was time to say goodbye. We felt so blessed for our wonderful Thanksmas visit and were already planning next year's visit. Back to the airport for our flight home, the games of euchre commenced as we maneuvered from gate to gate to gate with the crazy flight changes. It was the perfect ending to our awesome week of family time for Thanksmas!
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