Thanksgiving

As is our tradition on my side of the family, we hosted Thanksgiving.  We were thrilled to finally have a place of our own....especially one big enough to host the event.  So, although it was worth it, I've gotta say, this was a huge undertaking. :)  I have an even greater appreciation for the many yummy holiday meals I have enjoyed throughout the years where all I was responsible for was a side dish or dessert.  :)  Amy and I have had quite the year with our mom passing away, getting settled in new houses, and Amy having a baby.  :)  With life a little more in order and my sister's help, next year will be a piece of cake!  Anyway, the day wasn't nearly long enough, but we enjoyed the time we did have together.

I was just a little proud of the meal.  :)

I bribed the kiddos with a piece of candy for every Thanksgiving worksheet they completed.  It worked a little too well....I finally had to cut them off.  Ha!

BJ read the "Squanto" book to the crew.  Uncle Isaac was his most attentive listener.  :)

We finished the evening with our traditional Bingo game. Poor Uncle Isaac was helping run 3 or 4 boards at the same time.

I really miss my mom but I so appreciate times with my sister and her family.  There is much to be thankful for.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is celebrated with my side of the family, and for the past two years we have held it at our church.  I loved this picture because Esther and Gracie look like twins from the back. :) Here are a few highlights....

Unfortunately this year my family was getting over a bad cold.  I knew there was no way mom and Ray or the Freemans could escape it.  Sure enough, Amy caught the bug on Monday after Thanksgiving and it made its way through almost everyone else.  We thought my mom was okay, but it hit her the following week.  I am thankful they still love us....germs and all.

Sweet Josiah feeling under the weather.

This year our family and the Freemans practiced the hymn, "Come ye Thankful People Come."  Jared even worked up the piano accompaniment.  It was fun to sing together before the meal.

My amazing sister made us aprons for Christmas.  They are beautiful!

The annual bingo game.  Fun times...great prizes.  Right, Isaac?

Can't wait for next year.  Maybe we will all load up on vitamin C the month before. :)

Our Thanksgiving Christmas

Thanksgiving is celebrated with my side of the family and this year it was held in Woodburn. With all the new babies, we thought this location would be more convenient. :)  Lots of fun and energy when we get the cousins together!  The newest ones especially loved Uncle Isaac's story telling.

We ordered pizza Wednesday evening, saving our cooking energy for the big day. :)

Thank goodness for mom and Ray.  I knew that someday I would have to be a grownup and cook a holiday meal, but with all the work they did, I got out of it again. :)

Paisley Mae is the cutest little bean snapper.

The gym provided hours of entertainment for the children.

BJ read the true story of Squanto to the boys...and girls. It is hard not to see the hand of God protecting and providing for the pilgrims.

Jared and Jesse did a great job decorating the table.

Aunt Amy was in charge of a craft for the cousins to make.  I think she learned of some distinct differences between boys and girls while working with them. :)

Another highlight was playing Bingo. This day was definitely a learning experience.  We packed a lot into our day and didn't get any nap times in.....a few meltdowns were inevitable.  For the most part, Uncle Isaac really hung in there. :)

By the time we opened Christmas gifts everyone was tuckered out.  It was a full day, but a good day.  Can't wait for next year!

By the way, Amy and I heard that the Woodburn Factory Stores were opening at 9pm and we thought it would be fun to go.  As I was driving to the motel near the outlets to pick her up, I started getting a little worried.  I never dreamed it would be so crazy. I just assumed people from our town would be the only ones there at that time.  Boy was I wrong. You should have seen the backup on the freeway. Somehow we managed to find the very last parking spot in the overflow parking.  We had a great time...so much fun to shop just the two of us with no little ones in tow. :)

Thanksgiving Preparations

We had fun preparing for Thanksgiving this year.  The boys loved making these place card candy holders and decorating the table for our meal.  It was a true delight to watch their creativity and excitement.