Thanksgiving in Hana

Thanksgiving. I couldn’t wait to get back to Maui. I went back the Saturday before Thanksgiving. I spent the weekend hanging out with the kids. Gavin exclaimed over and over, “Dad. I want to do something with you”. So I did. Much of the week was like that. And Leif. He was talking so much. He kind of just rambles on and throws words in to get his point across. Pretty darn cute. We played lots of Crazy Eights.

Gavin at Kapuna Appreciation Night saying his family’s names in Hawaiian.

Wednesday was pie day. While Holly was at work, I had to make a pumpkin pie and an apple pie. The apple pie had to be the one my brother made when we were in NY. In order to get the recipe, I had to call him and get it. So I did. Not only that, but we had a full conversation for like ten whole minutes. And it wasn’t awkward. Go figure. Anyway. I got the recipe and made that pie. It came out awesome. I’ve been instructed to perfect the recipe and make it a tradition.

On Thanksgiving morning, I woke myself at 4:30 am to drive up to the airport to pick Mary up. It was a pleasant drive, it being so early and tourist free. We were able to get back home in time to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving day parade.

Food. Can’t have Thanksgiving without it. The smells of the house were delightful. The air was filled with the aroma of broccoli casserole, sweet potatoes, stuffing, popovers, and, of course, gravy and turkey. There is nothing like a paper bag turkey stuffed with sausage and apple stuffing. Oh yeah.

Saturday was Holly’s birthday. Mary made a super chocolate cake with chocolate ganache. It was also set-up-the-tree day. We pulled out our Christmas decorations and set up our 6 foot tall fake tree. We had to pause for a short bit before putting on the lights.

Once Astrid got all tired from the tree that we obviously put up for her, we continued with our decorating activities. Who knew you could bleed from this. Poor Holly leaked all over the living room after stepping on a metal train stocking hanger. We fixed it with eggnog. Her foot, not the train. That is still broken.

Finally, the tree was complete with lots of lights and plastic ornaments. Having a kitten this year, it would have been unwise to pack the tree with glass.

Later in the evening, we did cake and presents. It was a pleasant day. Sunday morning, we watched Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II before driving up to the airport. A week wasn’t nearly long enough. But it was a wonderful trip. Holly even got to knit yellow stripes. That makes me happy.