Pagosa Springs, Colorado (November 2024)

We have been holding our family gatherings during the Thanksgiving week in various places, such as three times in Dallas, once in Cancun, once in Palm Deserts, and once in Medellin. This year, we agreed to meet in Pagosa Springs CO. 

We all had hiccups on the journey to the cabin I rented through Airbnb. The cabin was called "Moose Lodge. And there were a lot of moose-related paintings, statues, and decorations.

Joyce arrived early in Durango on Monday and rented a car to reach the cabin first. I arrived late on Monday and rented a minivan. It was snowing and driving on the unfamiliar road at night was challenging. But I arrived safely. Kristin who was scheduled to arrive at the same time as I got her flight delayed and had to take an alternate flight to Denver instead. She slept overnight at Amanda's and they drove six hours from Denver on a snowy day. It was a treacherous drive, but they arrived safely also.

The snow painted all nature white making the colorful photo the same as black and white. But, the scenery was tranquil and beautiful. 

The next morning, Kyle and Myles went outside and made a snowman. I am sure it was the first snowman Myles ever made.

Myles is now one year old and is going to become two years old in February. He is becoming cuter as he is growing up. Of course, I am biased.

Joyce is photo-shy and I had to take her family photo naturally. Kyle is really good at taking care of Myles since Joyce has to work.

Amanda is not shy about taking photos. She is actually good at posing for the photos. Eli and Gabe were now four and two and a half years old, respectively. Gabe is a lot bigger and taller than his peers, so Eli looks relatively smaller. However, he still remained in the 90 percentile with his peers. Ray was good at playing with the kids.

I tried to take a photo with two boys and it was not easy to keep them still. But I was happy to hold them together. Kristin enjoys playing with the grandkids.

Keeping the little ones still is a big challenge, but Amanda managed to keep them still and took a photo. They were wearing shirts with their names on them. How cute they are! You guys look beautiful, Myles, Eli, and Gabe!!!

Kristin, Amand, and Joyce all took part in creating the Thanksgiving Dinner. They look really good together. I am proud of them.

Although short, our gathering came to an end and we had to go on our own way. Amanda and Ray will drive home; Kristin and I will fly to Mazatlan for a 3-week vacation;  Joyce and Kyle will stay until the evening with the rent car and fly back home. 

We agreed to meet twice in 2025, but the plan was later changed to once again in light of the burden of two trips that they will have to make for two gatherings. We will meet in Mazatlan with All-Inclusive meal and drink plans. Until then, we will stay in touch through video calls. Thank you, Lord, for keeping us connected. - Jeffrey