Zorro already looks like he’s grown since we got him. Elianna went to Miles’ house this evening so the boys are dog-sitting. We texted and asked her if it was okay to feed him. She said she’d do it when she got home but he’s been acting very hungry. She said that was fine so Dad and the boys were getting it ready. I haven’t had to much of anything with him, not that I’m against it, it’s just that the others having been taking care of it all.

I think he enjoyed the experience of being around people and dogs. The thanksgiving crew packed up and left around noon. It was great to be with everybody again and every year feels like a good time, I hope for everyone. I was telling the boys after were home that thanksgiving almost feels like entering a time capsule. For those few days we’re together and just enjoying each other’s company. Then it’s time to go back.

Ethan took the car this time instead of the traverse. He has a couple more weeks of school including an early-bird indoor track meet. With having two other kid-drivers we really do need the extra vehicle but the reasons this works is because if we need to we use the camp truck. Josh took it to Quincy a couple of weeks ago and I used it once to drive to one of my sites. He let me know he had stopped in Chillicothe, about halfway.

The engagement day was so fun. I felt terrible about springing it on my family last minute. Josh announced that Ethan and Laura had taken a walk and that he was going to propose. Between the time when they left and when they were supposed to be back, her parents, siblings, and grandma showed up so they could be there too. Her mom brought dessert and congratulatory decorations. Uncle Glenn said we should’ve waited.

They had a family member once whose marriage lasted less than a year. Josh actually did their wedding. But for whatever reason it didn’t work out and supposedly she knew from the get-go that he was not the right person. But it was some kind of public proposal and she said yes anyway and went along with the whole thing even through the wedding. I had this in the back of my mind too, aware these kinds of things happen.

Their relationship is between the two of them, he said. I understood this too but we had also talked to Ethan about it and taken the time to discuss and figure out his idea. Josh’s mom and sister and family also came that evening. I was worried it might be too much but it’s what he wanted. To me the awkwardness of everyone waiting there was the worst part about it. I couldn’t even socialize, instead I hid in the kitchen waiting there.

But everyone rolled with it. I was grateful for my sister-in-law and sisters who contributed help with the decorating and arranging. I cried afterward in the kitchen with my mom and aunt, not because I was sad, but because it’d been so much. Josh and I were just happy that she’d said yes and they were happy. She really is a sweet person and I can completely see why Ethan likes her. She is very comfortable to be around.

So another thanksgiving has come and gone. It’s been wonderful to be able to do this as many years as we have. Josh gives the families a discounted rate so that hopefully the cost isn’t too much of a burden between the gas to drive down here and everything else. It’s great to have such an affordable place to stay that can fit everybody.