Giving Thanks

I always look forward to Thanksgiving.  The holiday where you are just with the people you love and you don't have to worry about gifts or what you are going to bring.  Well, except for the food of course.

Andy went up bright and early to get two newspapers.  We can't share turkeys, or more, we shouldn't have to share turkeys (or ads). And, we started off the morning with our traditional doughnuts and juice, coloring and watching the parade.  The boys were so into the coloring and the parade this year.  They sat and engaged in these activities for two hours.  To get these boys to be engaged in anything for that length of time is always amazing.  But, they love their coloring. 

They were very proud of their pictures.

Mid-Afternoon we all got dressed for the day and headed over to my parent's house with games and freshly baked pies. 

Andy was put to work right away carving the turkey, what an honor!

We had a delicious home made meal.  

Followed by pies, which I was in charge of again this year.  I made home made pumpkin, pecan, caramel-apple and french silk pies.

Once again there was a bet on the table. Pete had to eat a piece of each pie and he would be given $10 by Luke.  Cassie could have a bite of each pie and take a portion of Pete's earnings.

Pete before...

Pete after...

We played games and did some puzzles...

...And just enjoyed being around each other.  

This last year has been full of ups and downs.  I have learned a lot through all these moments, but I have most importantly been hyper-aware of the importance of families, forgiveness and love. More than ever before, I am thankful for my family. (oh, and I'm also thankful Movember is over!)