11/26/08-11/29/08

Aaron's First Thanksgiving

Our First Family Trip to the Valley

Yes, can you believe it? Mark and I have been together for 9 years and this was the first time I have been to the Valley to meet Mark's extended family. I was so lucky to meet most of the family. They welcomed Aaron and I right in and made us feel at home! We can't wait to go back. After an 8 hour drive, I think Aaron did really well. We enjoyed the drive and had fun spending time with Aunt Sarah. While we were in La Grulla, where Mark's grandmother lives, we stayed at her house and enjoyed the roosters that woke us up daily! On Thanksgiving, we drove to Mark's dad's brother's house first. Beto and Veronica had made a wonderful Thanksgiving meal for all the family. The turkey was great and it was the first time I had rice with Thanksgiving!!! After lunch, we drove to Harlingen which is where Mark's mom's sister, Sylvia, lives. We enjoyed a second wonderful Thanksgiving feast there. All the family stayed there until the Cowboy game was over. Aaron was entertained by a cat, a nice walk, and a roll of toilet paper!!! He was such a good little boy the entire trip. The long car ride home was harder because I think we were all very ready to get home! It was overall a great trip and again, we can't wait to go back!

This is our first Thanksgiving Picture!

Mark's dad, Asencio, and Clarissa!

This is one of the roosters that woke us up each morning.

I made my first trip to Mexico while we were in the Valley! We went to the border station and walked across the river to take pictures! They almost didn't let us come back!

As you can see it was 80 degrees on Thanksgiving day!

Aaron's First Thanksgiving meal, sweet potatoes! I thought he had to have something Thanksgiving like!

Aaron really wanted Peter's sucker!

This is Asencio's nephew, Mark's cousin, Betito and Delma.

These are Mark's cousins. Melynn, Melissa, Clarissa, and his sister, Sarah.

Mark's Cousin, Peter, his wife Melissa, and their daughter, Skylynn.

Mark's cousins Charlie, Eli and Elou ( hope they are spelled correctly).

Here is one piece of entertainment for our son!!!

Watch out little kitty! I can crawl fast!

These are Mark's aunts and uncle! Let's see if I get this right.

From left to right: Anna, Cynthia, Jolly, Sylvia, Becky, and Nino.

Eli or Elou- Mark's not even sure which one is which!

Our family!

All the men of the family!

Grandma- this is Mark's dad's mother! She is the best cook. She was so loving and welcoming while we stayed in her home!