Thanksgiving Traditions

We had another traditional (for us) Thanksgiving this year.  I was able to take the whole week off like I did last year which was really nice.  Next year I doubt that will be possible because we will be in a very busy phase of our project at work but we'll see.  I will enjoy it while I can!  We started off the week off with a trip to Lebonon, Ohio, to take a Polar Express themed train ride.  The girls had never been on a train (with the exception of a small local train ride when they were babies) and had been asking if we could take a ride sometime.  I found this opportunity about an hour and a half from us and all of the proceeds benefited the local children's hospital so I was sold.  It was a great experience - everyone was friendly and the whole thing was very well run.  The kids enjoyed it and we made some nice memories.  Maybe an annual thing for awhile?  We'll see!

They just spotted Santa Claus on the train!

Monday Keith and I did a little lunch and holiday shopping while the kids were in school and Tuesday we baked a pie and dressing to take to Thanksgiving at Keith's house.  We left on Wednesday morning and arrived at Keith's parent's house by lunchtime.  This year his brother and family came too and we were excited to spend some more time with their baby Elliott who is six months old and a total cutie.  Keith's sister and family were in Florida so the whole gang wasn't there. As we grow in size and numbers it is getting hard to fit everyone at Grandma and Grandpa's house but we still make it work.  We enjoyed hanging out and the unseasonably warm weather that let us play outside on Thanksgiving without jackets.  Diane, Erica and I ventured out Thursday evening for a little shopping (Kohl's and Target) and scored some deals while the guys watched the Bears on TV. The crowd's at Kohl's were a little too crazy for my taste but I did get some really good bargains.  When we made it home close to to 11 PM we were ready for a second helping of Thanksgiving dinner.  All that shopping had made us hungry!

Grandpa, Julia, and Elliott

Making a turkey fruit tray at Grandma's

Caroline, Macy, and Julia - the girls' table!

On Friday we ate lunch with Keith's long-time friend Kevin and his wife Kristen and their kids.  We didn't have the usual gathering of friends at someone's house since most folks were busy or out of town but it was definitely nice to still get to see the Thompsons and catch up with them.  After lunch we headed to my parent's house.  We had planned to do a wagon ride and a hike at their house so we hurried up and did that pretty much as soon as we got there since it was supposed to rain all day Saturday.  Luckily we made it home just about the time the sprinkles were starting.

We're ready Pop Pop! 

Having fun!

On Saturday Chris (my brother) and Jenny came over around 1:30 and we spent the day just hanging out and eating.  It was a relaxing and fun day.  We headed home on Sunday and were glad to be sleeping in our own beds again that night.  We certainly have a lot to be thankful for as we head into the holiday season.  I love this time of year and I'm looking forward to all the fun and excitement ahead.

Colin having some Uncle Bub time

Julia tries on the kid shades at Meme's....looking good!