After last weekend’s final home football game, the troops are beginning to return home for the Thanksgiving holiday.

It’s chaotic and messy. And wonderful, when I pause to reflect upon it.

The kids walked into town yesterday in search of adventure. They stopped by the library and convinced Greta and her boyfriend Rob to put the books down. The group ambled over to the local ice cream store. As they made their selections, Johnny noticed a framed picture on the wall. It was a picture of a magazine cover which highlighted 251 things to do and see in the Chicagoland area.

Johnny had a comment. “That poster is wrong.“

Greta responded, “Why is it wrong, Johnny?”

He continued, with exasperation in his voice, “251 things to do and places to see? 2-5-1! There are way more than 251 things to do and places to see!”

If only I could find a way to capture that perspective and sell it in a jar. The world would be a better place. And I would be a rich woman with a fabulous cabin in the mountains.

Everyone made their dessert selections and someone settled the bill. Cones in hand, the group moved down Main Street, doing some window shopping and enjoying the energy of town. I imagine them being silly and loud, pushing against each other and having a marvelous time. They occasionally stopped to pose for goofy pictures.

Eventually, they landed at a local park and played in the dark.

These are the best moments of the holiday season. Impromptu time with siblings, fueled by a double scoop of Superman.

Item 252.