Let the Recap Begin

At the risk of getting too meta-textual, I'm going to post some of the great pictures I've been receiving from the fam of the past week's visit. But first, I'd just like to say how happy I am about it. This trip is always one of the highlights of my year, but this year was extra special for a lot of reasons. The big one was that this was the year that Stephen was diagnosed with and fought back cancer. It's too bad the rest of his family couldn't attend (I haven't seen Kristen in forever!), but I was really happy he made the trek this year to hang and play Catch Phrase.

This was also our first T-day visit with Jessica in attendance. It's kind of mind-blowing to think that a year ago Chris was having his first date with her.... and that weeks later he was driving me to work and telling me he was getting a ring. Of course I thought he was being rash, but it turns out he was just following his heart. My favorite thing about Jessica is getting her to laugh so hard that it borders on a health issue. This was achieved several times this week, often at Chris's expense.

To add to the firsts, both Scott and Sarah brought new squeezes. We already knew that Scott's Amy was Emily- and Gabe-approved, so there wasn't much concern, and it was cool to see Scott dating again. (He really is a God-given gift to the female species. The guy fixes up old Italian sports cars and motorcycles, listens to the Clash, raises his two great kids seemingly effortlessly, dresses fashionably and works on his masters in the spare hours after his day job. I mean, come on.) As for Sarah's Jason, he was pretty quiet but judging from the amount of back rubs that guy was throwing Sarah's way, I think it's safe to assume he cares about her as much as we do. And honestly, how could you not love a girl that beautiful and kind?

What else? Kirsten and Titus made their sophomore appearances. I split my time adoring both.

Cole was in effect, in a big way. As serious as ever, and totally confused by me. When he states, "You're silly, Uncle Daniel," it's more of a question. As if he's saying, "Right? There must be some explanation for why you're acting so crazy? Please let that be the explanation."

Richard informed us that nobody actually calls him Richard Scott and that he's just been too nice to correct us all these years. So, everybody, consider yourself informed. The new, sleek, Richard 2.0 does not actually go by a two-name moniker anymore.

We didn't really get to the cutthroat competitive side of Mary that I'm always hearing about, but she was pretty fierce in Friday's Catch Phrase match. Mary cracks me up how calm she is. If somebody could bottle that calmness, I'd buy it.

Gabe. Gabe announced plans to join the Army National Guard. And everybody thought, hmmm. (He also made this declaration to have his identity stripped down and himself turned into a fighting machine while in freshly bleached blonde hair.) We all just got done marveling at his graphic arts skills, and I was just making plans to go snowboarding with him. I think the jury's still out on Gabe and all the amazing things he's going to do, but whatever he does, I support it. In the same way I feel especially close to Scott, I feel especially close to his kids. I adore Emily and her super fresh style and her really open, happy demeanor. I hope she and Gabe will do me the favor of making blogs or something in the next few years so I can follow their lives through the upcoming life changes. That or just calling me once in a while.

Uncle Mark and Aunt Trish should get the Thompson Gold Medal for consistency. They just seem to take an interest in everybody but themselves and they are some of the best listeners I know. (Uncle Mark has the kind of intelligent curiosity and willingness to engage people about ideas, without combatting them or trying to change their mind, that I would love to have some day. I've always looked up to him for that reason.) But I couldn't help but notice that he and Trish were both more tired than usual. I know it's been a stressful year for them. Uncle Mark mentioned "sleepless nights" and by Friday night, after just springing for the family dinner, Trish was about to pass out on the Kitchen table. I hope things settle down for them a bit this year and there worries are fewer. Jack seems like he's already stressing enough for the whole family.

I have a bunch of little Sepporah moments floating around in my head from the past trip. Some of her really sweet expressions in particular. Of course, I get to see Sepporah year round, but she continues to change so rapidly that I'm always discovering what she's about. I love how she can go from totally outgoing and physical one minute to contemplative and engrossed the next. I'm thinking of the way she stares at Kirsten when she's knitting and asks questions about the process. I wish Claire could have been with me this year (next year though!), because you guys really need to see them together. They are going to be an adorable and hilarious combo for a long time to come.

I've been noticing more and more how Scott and my mom are such powerful forces in the family in a quiet, non-flashy way. Scott loves the family traditions (Thursday night movie, Friday trip into town) and helps keep them alive. He doesn't make a lot of noise, but the older I get the more I see how devoted to his whole family Scott is and I hope I am learning from him in this way. Scott calls me to check in all the time. And I have a feeling I'm not the only one getting this treatment.

My mom is such a giving person. She is the one to take on the responsibility of the littlest children so that the rest of us can do the things we want without worrying. For one, she lets Sepporah sleep in her bed. This is a form of torture, so I wasn't surprised to see her dragging a little bit - but joyfully - by the end of the visit. And on Friday when we were all playing Catch Phrase, she was the one entertaining a toddler and two little kids in the other room so that we could play our game uninterrupted. I'm really thankful for that. My mom rules.

Let's talk about Matt and Chris and I. There's been some controversy about our ribbing each other on the blog. You all should know that we rib because we love! For instance, Matt and I annually have a 2-and-a-half-minute wrestling smackdown in Grandma's kitchen, which always somehow moves into the livingroom with Grandma and my mom following and shouting at us to please stop, every year. This year was no different (Matt schooled me, I'm not going to lie). But as soon as we get done punishing each other's bodies and dealing out injuries, we leave it on the field. There are no hard feelings. Consider it a life lesson for the rest of you.

But yeah, I love my brothers and their amazing families. I'm proud of both of them and happy to be the older brother they both look up to so much.

At first I wanted to say that Grandma and Grandpa might have been showing their age a bit more this year than in the past - Grandma stopped dying her hair and Grandpa's leg pain had him grimmacing a few times that I saw. But the truth is they're both as sharp and good looking as ever. Grandpa continued his recent streak of dashing casual wear (did anybody else peep that super GQ brown pullover he busted out!!!), and Grandma delivered, food-wise, as always. In fact, it was borderline gluttonous the way things went down.

It seemed like a lot of Thompsons are enjoying the blog, and the connectivity it provides. It's nice just to be reminded that you're part of a family. Especially one as vibrant and interesting as ours. I hope the next year we continue to use it and that everybody gets involved when they can.

One last note. Kirsten and I couldn't help but notice that the country house has a ton of room and places to sleep. We were thinking that those who can should meet there sometime when it's warmer, possibly this spring. We could all sleep out there and there is a large kitchen and living room area to play games. We'd also have access to Grandma and Grandpa's house obviously, as well as whatever fun stuff there is in Champaign. It'd be a good mix of country quiet and city features. I think spending three or four days there would be a ton of fun. I always come away from Thanksgiving feeling that two days is not enough so maybe a spring or summer visit would be something great to try this year. Think about it.

I love you all.

Daniel