Grateful for Roots

Since we were so far south for our

trip to Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park,

we took the opportunity to head even further south

to Bakersfield, California

to celebrate Thanksgiving

with my late Grandpa's side of the family.

His brother, my great Uncle Junior,

played host to over 50+ relatives,

and this,

they informed me,

was a light year!

There were three whopping huge turkeys

being carved in the kitchen,

and a vat of mashed potatoes so big that

 I could easily have bathed both my boys in it!

But best all,

was the tremendous sense of family.

It has been years since I've visited,

the last time was when I was maybe

thirteen or fourteen years old...

but I remember.

I remember, especially,

my grandpa.

He took me here.

He made sure I knew where I came from.

And then he wanted me

to grow and be happy

with a family of my own.

...

So, so grateful.

For family.

P.S.  Miss you, grandpa. 

And...

See you later, alligator.

After awhile, crocodile.

My great-grandma Eulalia

Uncle Junior, grandpa's brother

Dear Aunt Agnes, his joyful wife from Brooklyn!

The photo which spurred a number of

car honkings, catcalls, and even a passer-by

who slowed and took their own photo of us from his car!

Grandpa's little sister, Aunt Connie,

whose personality is anything but little!

Grandma Lopez

So happy to be surrounded by family not

seen nearly often enough!

Again...

H A P P Y  T H A N K S G I V I N G !