In early September, Steve texted me at work and asked if I wanted to go to Broken Bow for Thanksgiving. He'd gotten an email about just a few cabins remaining, and I didn't hesitate to say yes. I had been looking forward to our getaway everyday since ... with no idea of how badly I'd need the break and change of scenery by the time it rolled around. We started Thanksgiving break with a soccer tournament and putting up our Christmas decorations. Then on Wednesday, we headed north for a few days of cabin life!
We arrived, unpacked, and wasted no time settling in. After playing some football, we started our first campfire. Roasted hot dogs, made s'mores, smoked cigars ... all the good things!
The girls took full advantage of the hot tub and were in it every day!
On Wednesday night, Emma helped me with the Thanksgiving meal prep!
We made viewing time for all of the must-watch events: Macy's Parade, The Grinch, Christmas Vacation ...
And we played LOTS of UNO!
Jim spent equal amounts of time eagerly sniffing and exploring the wilderness, and passed out cold. He loved the woods but they sure wore him out!
We had beautiful weather on Thanksgiving Day, so we started the celebration with appropriate bevs ...
... and exploring!
Although it was just the four of us, we were at a cabin, and it meant way overpacking, we were determined to have a traditional Thanksgiving meal. It was way too much food for us, as we knew it would be, but still fun to prepare and share as if we were at home or with extended family.
Always room for pumpkin pie!
On Friday, we had reservation for a horseback trail ride. It was supposed to rain, but the weather cooperated.
We had a peaceful 45-minute ride through the woods where we saw many deer up close!
After riding, we spent a little time in town. We headed to the local brewery for drinks, pizza, ice cream, and the Cyclones game - a huge come-from-behind win!
The wishbone was dry enough to break at our final campfire that night.
It truly was the perfect Thanksgiving for us. It was peaceful, stress-free, quiet, fun in all the ways we wanted it to be ... full of "yes-es". It was definitely time our family needed together after so much stress and very little time off over the last several months.
Throughout our stay, I kept thinking to myself, "I hope they remember this, I hope they remember this." More and more, I find myself wanting to give my girls experiences that they'll always remember and treasure. I felt the same way when they were younger, but I know that so much of what we do during the years we're currently in, they'll have the capacity to remember, reflect upon, and even possibly someday incorporate with their own families. Especially during these types of trips - the most simple, basic fun is something I hope they remember with fondness. Just these few days of quality time together and special memories will hold me over for quite some time!
