Iowa

Nov 26-Dec 1 UA2153 IAH-ORD, UA748 ORD-IAH

Our first Hopson Thanksgiving without Grandma Jeanne or Aunt Mariann was very different, but we managed to carry on the traditions and took time to remember both. Despite their absences, we enjoyed the time together.

November 27

After driving in from Chicago we had our traditional pre-Thanksgiving pizza dinner at Rick and Rosie’s house in Iowa City.

Patrick looking serious

Alex deep in conversation

Calvin exploring his mother Emily’s hair

Calvin was still acting a little shy

Calvin with his grandmother Carol, Tom’s sister

Tom’s brother Randy

Emma starting a football pool to encourage us to pay attention to the Thanksgiving games

Still a number of squares available and a few dollars on the table

Detailed record of the work in progress

Alex and Vanessa

John, recently confirmed to be officially joining the family next year with the planned marriage to Tom’s sister Carol

Tom’s father Bob, our patriarch

Tom’s brother Rick, the head of the household

Margaret

Eddie, the family cat comes out when the crowds thin

November 28

Before the official Thanksgiving gathering we met up with Carol’s family and Bob at their downtown hotel to play some virtual sports.

Bob showing off his golf skills at a virtual driving range

Margaret enjoying the games

Moving on from virtual games to actual ping pong

Emily and Calvin working on some crafts together

Candid shot of Emily briefly without Calvin

Requisite photo of family favourite of cauliflower and peas, with “cheese”

Calvin…. so many crayons

Bob leading the formal celebration

November 29-30

We headed back to Des Moines to spend some time with Bob and help out with a few small tasks before driving back to Chicago for our flights home. As there was some winter weather coming to Toronto, Tom grabbed an earlier flight on Saturday evening, and I headed back to Houston on Sunday morning.