Eva's First Thanksgiving!

Eva has had an amazing 8 months of "firsts." Her first Thanksgiving certainly was no exception. The Crow Family, Eva's Aunt, Uncle and cousins, live on post at West Point in New York. For the past three years, with the exception of Kyle's deployment year, Kyle and I have spent Thanksgiving with the Crows. It has become an honored tradition as an opportunity to spend quality time with our nieces, nephew, and Krissy and Mark. Although there is a lot of ground between families, we treasure our time together and always seem to pick up right where we left off. Kyle and I could not wait to include Eva in this Thanksgiving tradition. Time with the Crows is always jam-packed with excitement, lots of laughs, good food, and a few tears too. (With four kids, what else could there be?)

We left the Wednesday before Thanksgiving to make the 10 hour trek to New York from Detroit. The drive seemed to go by very fast, and for Eva's first long trip she did so well! We arrived there around 3:30 in the afternoon and were welcomed by the Isabella, Will and Krissy. Their house is amazing. It is at least 100 years old, and out of its grand windows you can see magnificent views of the Hudson, especially this time of year. Eva's cousins, especially the little girls, loved to see her. Abbey, age 3, attempted to "mother" her, and even taught Eva the sign for "more." Eva was speechless, I believe. Never in her life has she been around so many kids and so much going on! She loved watching her cousins. At one point, when Kyle and Will were playing catch, she broke out into a fit of laughter. She laughed out loud each time Will caught the ball. She also liked to watch Isabella. Isabella, being the responsible sort, held Eva and watched her at times throughout the weekend. Uncle Mark was able to meet Eva for the first time the day we arrived. She warmed right up to him by giving him a hug. Throughout the weekend, he referred to her often as the "screamer" and "brat" because compared to other children she was anything but! Eva enjoyed being carried around in the hub-bub by her Aunt and Uncle. It was truly heart warming to see the way Eva began to fit right in with the family.

For Thanksgiving dinner, Eva enjoyed a fancy ballroom sup at the Officer's Club at West Point. Isn't that what every baby does for her first Thanksgiving? It is a mid-evil, castle type of place jutting out onto the river. It was a wonderful dinner! The servers brought Eva her very own high chair, and Eva tasted mashed potatoes and enjoyed her sweet potatoes and apples, specially made by Gerber. For her first Thanksgiving Eva wore a parisian inspired sweater dress with cream colored leggings. She loved looking around the ballroom and dipping her octopus toy into her taters. Later in the weekend, Eva tried her first "puffs" and was able, after several attempts, to put them into her mouth all by herself. She enjoyed playing by the Christmas tree, and received complimentary tongue baths by Timber the German Shepard. Eva was spoiled by her Aunt Krissy. She took home at least 20 outfits, including special bath soap and a new gingerbread ensemble. Eva certainly is loved! Thank you Aunt Krissy and Uncle Mark!

Beautiful West Point!

                                                               The Crow Residence

                                                          Cousin Abbey Helping Eva

                                                      Eva Trying to Lick a Candy Cane

The trip back was a piece of cake, if not for Kyle feeling under the weather. Eva fell asleep at the exit gate on post and didn't wake up until past Scranton, PA, much to her Uncle Mark's dismay. (His kids are not good car sleepers.) She cooed and played during the few time she was awake, and then she experienced her first dinner at the infamous Ohio turnpike Panera's. Kyle and I feel blessed to make the trip. We love spending time with the Crows, and it was wonderful to have Eva share in the holiday with us. Everything, even a 10 hour drive along I-80, is new and exciting because Eva is here to share it with. We are so grateful this Thanksgiving to be healthy and able to spend it together. Eva is certainly our greatest blessing.