Ponderings of a Small Town Girl in the City: The Smiths

Saturday, November 30, 2013

The Smiths

We been hanging with the the Gsmiths the past 2 days. It's been great. First, we had an invite to our niece Barb's in Norwalk (right south of the 5 Bypass) for Thanksgiving. Bless her for getting me out of the whole turkey day production! We took wine, bread and a relish tray that we put together ourselves. No HyVee tray for us.

Barb and Carol

Barb's mom Carol (Paul's sis) helped with the food prep the day before. Good thinking! Barb's fam includes husband Mike, daughter Mandy a frosh at Dowling and Mike's son Grayson a college frosh at NYU/in NYC. Paul's sis Jean from Webster City was there with her husband Dave. Ham and turkey - with all the fixins'. It was all great - followed by pie and cheesecake. #reallyfull.

Dice golf

Dave shows us how to tie a shoe left-handed

After the big meal some of the gang played golf. No, not really. The dice kind. I'm not a game player - memories of playing with George Goldsmith, Paul's dad. The guy played for blood! I prefer to chat and enjoy life when I'm being social. It's always fun to catch up on everyone's lives - the kids and grandkids. Kara fit in well and she was nice to listen to Dave Fox stories. Jud said it was because she hates football that much. The Packers got drilled, but the Cowboys came through.

Food art by Jud and Kara - pilgrim hats and turkey cookies

After we returned home, while the guys finished watching the game, Kara and I worked on a craft. That's right - you heard me. A craft. She had sent information to Paul to cut out pieces of wood. I painted my ass off and got craft paint all over my hands. By the time we were done, a Bond movie was on. Kara and her mom are big crafters. She and Jud even did food craft!

Friday we headed to Earlville for the Goldsmith fam get-together. It was to be a smaller than usual gathering. Back in the day we used to get upwards of 40 people at this event, but now the the kids are growing up - many have their own kids. Friday only 15 were there and Jud (really Kara) was the youngest. Still it was fun. The Wisconsinites were there and Larry and Regina with son Craig - Kara's first opportunity to meet all of them. She didn't run screaming into the street - a good sign! Again there were more games, and snacks. It was a long drive for the day, but well worth the trip. Love those Goldsmiths!