Thanksgiving in Florida

Robin with Madelyn, Don with Makayla, and Cameron

I have been wanting to put together a reunion for my side of the family for years. It never seemed to be the right time or location though for one reason or another. As time passes, at least in my family, the more spread out we are becoming (geographically) and the more difficult that task seams to become. I had finally thrown in the towel when I got a phone call from my sister one afternoon about a possible time and solution to our problems. Everything just fell into place and worked out nicely. We ended up getting together in Orlando the week of Thanksgiving and stayed in time-share condos that my sister and mother owned. We stayed in three rooms that were all close together and partied like it was 1991! (I think the last time all five of us girls were together for Thanksgiving was 1991.)

Standing L to R: Lori (Stevens) Nielsen, Ashley (Stevens) Drowns, Judy Stevens, Eileen Risley, Parker Drowns.

Sitting L to R: Haley Drowns, Bob Stevens, Addison Drowns, Jordan Sant, Rylee Sant, Mark Greene (on floor), Julie (Stevens) Greene, Cameron Sant, Robin (Stevens) Davis, Don Davis, Madelyn/Makayla (not sure which one) Wright, and Elora Nielsen.

Second half next to Elora is Nathan Nielson, Jonathan Nielsen, and Kaelan Nielsen.

Holly (Stevens) Wright taking the group picture. (Missing from picture who were at the reunion: Grandma Leta Bateman, Kimball Nielsen, Dave Drowns, Kinley Drowns, Justin Wright and Makayla or Madelyn Wright.

Just a random picture with Ashley Drowns holding Kinley Drowns and one of the Wright twins ( I believe it is Madelyn.) Haley Drowns in pink.

Cousins just chillin'.

Jordan, Rylee holding Makayla (I believe) and Parker holding Madelyn.

One of the twins thinking grandpa is pretty funny.

My mother moved to Egypt and brought back outfits for all of us. The girls are sporting theirs here for us. The smallest traditional looking clothes she could find were these. I think the girls still need to grow a bit. L to R: Makayla, Kinley, and Madelyn (I think).

My mom with Kinley in her outfit. You can see it better in this picture.

On our Orlando Family Reunion we of course went to Disney one day.

The girls sporting their new Disney Do's.

Justin screaming like a little girl and Haley looking embarrassed for him. (Just kidding)

Dad and I were in wheelchairs throughout the park. Since we had the free ride, we were called to baby patrol from time to time. We put several to sleep a couple of times throughout the day. As you can see, even grandpa got a nap!

And we had to hit the new Harry Potter Theme Park, my favorite and highlight of the vacation. That week was also the release of the Harry Potter movie which we had to all see as a family. (Lots of Harry Potter fans in this group!)

Of course Don and I with the Conductor. Not sure why the O2 is still in the picture.

Just one of the cute stores and signs.

The Three Broomsticks. A must stop if visiting. Great food and fun environment.

Don and I with our Butterbeer mustaches.

Had to show the family spread we shared with Holly and Justin. Plus we had a salad as well. Lots of yummy food for a surprisingly decent price.

They had so many random things in the books throughout the Park. I just put in some of them hope not to ruin it for others who still want to go.

Leaving the Harry Potter section, Holly and I wanted a picture together. We both loved our day together in the park! We actually asked the conductor if he could move for our picture. Was that rude or what?

The four of us outside the castle. The castle was amazing by the way and I even went on the ride. They told me I couldn't use my o2 so I went without because I wanted to go so bad! Not the best idea I ever had, but worth it.

Holly took this photo on the Hipograph ride! Again, I went on that ride without O2 either!

I had to show the wands. I didn't buy one, but several of the nieces and nephews couldn't resist!

No family vacation of mine would be complete without talent show night and lots of game playing. We busted out the old family favorites and a new family favorite called Ticket to Ride.

Of course Florida in November still means swimming/hot tubbing.

Another family favorite is the Black Friday Shopping, AKA: mad house rock. We got to hit some stores and wait in some sweet lines for good deals.

It was just the perfect week. Everyone was happy, nobody got sick or hurt, we couldn't have asked for much better weather, I mean perfect. Don't you just love those kind of vacations?