Thanksgiving '09

We were so excited to spend Thanksgiving in Baxley, GA with Mom and Dad Keeter, and Phillip and his family. We hadn't seen Mom and Dad in a long time, and hadn't seen Phillip since he got back from Iraq. Trisha and Amy and their families also got to come down as well. Only Betsy couldn't make it. We really missed them!

But we had a great time eating, playing games, going hunting and riding the mule. It's so crazy how well the cousins get along.

Phillip had told me that he had a surprise for the whole family. Right before the Thanksgiving meal, he informed us that he had requested a special ceremony in Iraq honoring Papaw Keeter for his years in the Navy. So the officer in charge took 6 American flags (one for each of our families) and flew it at their base in Iraq. Then the officer signed an official document stating that the flag had been flown in honor of Papaw, and then it was folded - like you would see at a funeral. Phillip presented each of our families with the flag. We all got choked up when we saw it. We still miss him so much. I don't think we have gotten used to the fact that he's not with us any longer. I was so proud of Phillip that he went through the effort to have this done for us! I can't wait to get it framed and hang it up.

Phillip and Trussie were amazingly patient having so many people in their house. It's such a beautiful and comfortable house. It definitely was a weekend to remember!