Thanksgiving 2017

I have some catching up to do post Holidays!

For Thanksgiving this year we again journeyed to Houston, to celebrate at BC's sister's house. We were fortunate to have his mom and dad there, along with another sister (Anna) and family.

Going into the trip, I was nervous about the 3+ hour car ride. Iyla has always been a great car traveler... but Eloise? HOLY HELL NO. I debated on trying to leave at nap time or just after, knowing historically she doesn't really nap in the car. We ended up leaving just AFTER her nap, which we quickly learned was a HUGE mistake. We basically had a well rested kid who was wide awake and ready to MOVE, who instead was strapped into a car seat. 

It was rough.

We had to stop 1.5 hours in just to let Eloise run around, as she had gone into full on hysterical crying. 

 Stretching out those little legs

We did make it to our hotel, which I realized was located 30 minutes FARTHER than my sister-in-law's house.

MAMA FAIL.

Thankfully our hotel itself was great- a 2 bedroom suite where we could give Eloise her own room/space for naps. Iyla always prefers to sleep in our room when we travel, whereas Eloise always sleeps better shut far away from any action. Could these two girls be any different?

On Wednesday we spent time relaxing with family while prep was done toward Thursday's feast. Iyla- per her usual when we travel- was in an extra fiesty, sassy, clingy mood. Nothing some snuggles and a trip to the park with her cousin Maggie couldn't cure!

Then on Thanksgiving proper, Iyla was in a GREAT mood, while Eloise was in this state:

Soooo.... I tried getting the smiling, happy holiday photo with just big sister:

Then used a Mama trick and handed Eloise a beloved toy. YES! No smiles, but no crying either. I'll take it.

Here are a few more shots from Thanksgiving day:

 On the ride home, we switched it up and left AT Eloise's nap time. That little bugger NEVER SLEPT, but at least she was mostly content and complacent in her fatigue!

Thank you to BC's sister Anna for taking (and sharing!) the majority of these gorgeous photos. So grateful to be surrounded on both sides by such loving families!