Turkey Day with Gammy

The Zyrieks loaded up and flew out to South Dakota for Thanksgiving. I have only missed two Thanksgiving Day holidays with my family in my entire life. I am just a home body I guess!! The girls were so excited to spend a few days with Gammy and play with all the toys she has at her house. We arrived on Wednesday and spent time catching up with Mary and getting settled in. Mary invited a friend over for Thanksgiving dinner which Mary prepared and it was delicious. She even found her own mother's recipe for good old Southern dressing and I was very pleased! That is one of my favorite parts of the Thanksgiving meal. I have even learned to make it myself compliments of a recipe from Southern Living. Mary did not disappoint with all her creations.

the girls having fun in mary's basement with all the toys!

anna made the table decorations

my sweet family

mary with her son and granddaughters.

beautiful view from mary's deck

I decided to sleep in on Black Friday but fully participated in Cyber Monday upon returning to Memphis!


Gary and I took in the Auburn/Alabama game from the local Chili's since Mary does not have loca channels at her house. We were so excited for 58 minutes of the game....and then the lucky Crimson Tide disappointed us and our upset hopes.

gary and enjoyed hanging out watching the auburn game....boo bama!!

After the game we headed up to Hill City to take the old 1880 Train to the "North Pole" We rode the train for about an hour and were served cookies and hot cocoa by Santa's elves and met Santa halfway through the ride. Anna was doubtful that we were truly in the North Pole but Caroline was very much in on it. Caroline is warming up to Santa but did require Gary to be in the picture with her.

the girls are literally hanging out the window looking for santa

anna enjoyed having a snapshot with santa

Saturday Mary took the girls with her to the paint a piece pottery studio to make some surprise Christmas gifts and have lunch too. Gary and I were able to knock out some errands for Mary and a little bit of shopping for Christmas. Then we took in a late afternoon showing of The Blind Side. Highly recommend it and not just because the story took place in Memphis. It was great and well done. The theatre was packed and we wondered if the Rapid City folks even recognized half of the SEC coaches shown in the movie.

Back home on Sunday and back to reality. We enjoyed relaxing, resting, visiting and taking in the scenery. Gary took his mountain bike and rode a few times with one of Mary's doctor friends. It was well worth the effort as Gary claimed it was gorgeous scenery and the terrain his bike was made for.

gary had gorgeous scenery for his rides



We have much to be thankful for and we truly enjoyed our trip!!