Thanksgiving 2014

Before Christmas is upon us, I thought I better do my write-up for Thanksgiving 2014.  My blogging has definitely slowed down as Keith's has picked up, capturing the every day moments of our kids' lives.  He does such a wonderful job but he doesn't do the big events (birthdays, holidays, vacations, doctor's visits) so I'm happy to fill in the blanks.  I have debated whether or not I want to continue on but in the end, I decided I want to have this to look back on and hope that one day the kids will too!

So here goes...

I love Thanksgiving.  It's such a relaxing holiday and it's a prelude to the Christmas holidays which makes it happy and exciting in that way too.  This year we did our usual trip to Indiana for four nights.  Two with Keith's parents and two with mine.  What made it different for me this year is that I took the whole week off which I've never done in my career before.  SO NICE!  We put our tree and decorations up before we left for Indiana which was great because when we got back, that task was done and we could just enjoy our efforts.  I hope to be able to take that full week off every year. We'll see.

Thanksgiving at Keith's parents' house was quieter than last year.  His siblings both spent the holiday at their in-laws' houses so we were the only ones in for the holiday.  For the first year in awhile I didn't venture out for any Black Friday shopping either.  The sales seemed to be just as good online on Thanksgiving Day so I did a lot of my shopping on the iPad while enjoying the smells of good food cooking!  We did get in our annual visit with Keith's friends on the Friday after Thanksgiving. It is always so nice to see everyone and to see our kids all playing together as they grow is neat to witness too.

The girls loved looking at all of Grandma's ornaments, especially the Peanuts ones that talk and move.

Early morning crafting while waiting for pancakes

Colin updated the menu Thanksgiving morning!

Colin is a Grandma's boy!

Reading books before bed.

On Friday evening we went to Meme and Pop Pop's.  Saturday my brother and Jenny came over to celebrate Turkey Day with us Mexican style!  Mom made delicious enchiladas and her famous Mexican rice.  It was pretty warm so we spent some time outside walking and swinging.  Colin took a nature walk with Mom and I that concluded with one of his favorite activities there, throwing rocks in the river.  Next summer I hope to take him swimming in it.

It's always fun to play with toys at the Grandparents' house!

Meme and Colin

A practical way to cook with three kids: bring it to their level!

Aunt Jenny gets in her snuggle time

Our kids are so lucky to have such loving extended families where everyone enjoys each other's company.  I hope we're creating some lasting memories for them.

And now to the business at hand...Santa is coming tomorrow evening and his elves are busy getting ready for the big day.  I'm not sure who is more excited, me or the kids!  I'm pretty pumped to be off work for two whole weeks (another career first) and I'm looking forward to spending this special time with my family.  Merry Christmas to all!