We had a wonderful Thanksgiving at our friend's house...Robyn and Jon Chappell. Their extended family was there, as well as our family and three other "orphan" friends. This year, we adopted two soldiers from Lackland AFB. You called and said you wanted to participate, then on Thanksgiving day, you drove to the base at 9 a.m., got in line and a pair of soldiers hopped in your car. You get to feed them (and let them use your phones/computers to contact their families) and have them back at the base by 5 p.m.
We were joined by Ryan and Curly, two 18-year-olds that had only been at boot camp for three weeks. Curly was from Louisiana - bayou country and said the whole meal was the best he ever tasted! After hearing his stories about eating snake, nutria and alligator growing up, we wondered if the meal was really that great or his standards were pretty low! He also wrestled alligators. For fun. Hmmm. Ryan was much more shy. I think he was from Oklahoma but he didn't say much. Definitely both sweet, well-mannered boys going to serve our country. We hope they stay safe!
Jacob was offered the chance to spend the night, but after a crazy day of rich and different foods plus a little brother pile driver to the gut, he threw up in the bathroom sink and we called it a day. Didn't get up early for Black Friday again this year...but made it out for several hours later in the day and got some stuff crossed off the list. Jacob was fine all day Friday so he did get to spend the night at the Chappells eventually.
We were thankful to have such a wonderful group of people to share the holiday with and missed our friends and families from far away.