After spending last Thanksgiving completely on my own, I was delighted when Travis and Carma offered to buy me a ticket to visit them in Dallas to celebrate not only the holiday, but the birth of their new daughter, Ellie (Elisabeth).
Spending time with Hinckley, and getting to know him better was a delight! Hinckley is especially polite, and his vocabulary is extensive. No short "Yes" or "No" answers from him! If you ask Hinckley if he enjoyed his lunch, his answer will be "Yes, I did!"
In typical two-and-a-half-year-old fashion, Hinckley is always on the move. He particularly enjoyed using his new drill and putting together (and taking apart) the airplane I brought for him. It's always a good feeling when I actually choose the right gift!
Travis, Carma, Hinckley and Ellie live on Christi Lane in Aubrey, Texas. The street is on several hundred acres owned by Carma's family, and many of the family members have built homes there. Hinckley and Ellie are surrounded by adoring family members: grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins. It's a family paradise!
Ellie, Carma and mother, Patty:
The view out the front door:
This guy is serious! I was warned not to look him in the eye . . . not your typical front yard pet!
There were 26 for dinner, all comfortably seated around the custom-made dinner table that has been a generations-loved asset for the Martino family. I felt like a beloved member of the clan, as I stayed at Patty and Trey's home, and enjoyed every moment. Patty is a soul-sister, and a true friend.
I felt so blessed to be with Travis, Carma, the children and family! It was so renewing and inspiring to see the love they all express and display towards one another. If only they weren't so far away!
Three generations: George, Hinckley and Travis:
Hinckley's obsessions: trains!! (Also loves the Cars movie):
What a fantastic celebration! That bull is HUGE -- I can see why you were warned not to stare him down in any way. ;)
ReplyDeleteThat was the quintessential family gathering! Everything looks perfect, especially Travis, Carma and the children. I am so happy you were able to join them! Great photos too; you always think of exactly the right scenes and perspectives to express the event here in your blog. What s precious baby is Ellie! The family "compound" is quite enviable, and I am happy that Travis moved his family there. They look so relaxed, healthy, and happy.
ReplyDeleteThoroughly delightful. Hinckley is adorable, and Ellie is so sweet. Nice to think of you with family and joy surrounding you. We had a pretty quiet Thanksgiving, with just my sister Kathy to join the three of us. K's husband had knee replacement surgery the day before, so she visited him in the hospital and then came to spend a few hours with us. It has been quite a year!!!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you had a great Thanksgiving! So much fun! Your grandkids are adorable!!!!
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