There was a lot of thought about this past weekend. Traditionally Todd's family spent the weekend with Cindy's family at her Aunts house in Eugene. They spend Christmas with us.  Last year they decided to spend Thanksgiving day with us and join Cindy's family for the rest of the weekend.  Now I had to figure out what I would like to do this year.  Todd was concerned because my birthday was Friday and he felt they should be here.  However if  they were here it would be just like last year with a huge hole without Dave. Kari and Garrett planned to be here along with his mom.  Marlene was not able to make her annual trek either.  Everything shaped up when I learned that two families that are long time friends, that now live in Springfield (next to Eugene), did not have kids coming from California.  They were happy to come here.  So everyone had to drive but the Thursday morning traffic was light.  No one had to do a lot, since we each had a part.  Caregiver Cindy was excited about doing some cooking.  She did not tell me until after the turkey was in the oven that it was her first turkey.  With several cooks in the kitchen at times it was fun to be part of the action.  TCWSM were able to spend the entire weekend in Eugene with all the cousins.