Thanksgiving

BJ's parents came out this year for Thanksgiving. We were all so excited because we haven't spent Thanksgiving with them for over 6 years. Since we've moved away we've never gone home for Thanksgiving and they've never had the chance to come to us for this Holiday. So, the festivities began right away. Howard spent the entire morning playing with Amelia and Jace. They love their Grandpa Howard!

We had to take them out to dinner for some good ol' barbecue (it's what Kansas is known for). Grandpa Howard and Jace always kept "bad guys and good guys" in their pockets so that during free time they could get to playin'. Jace couldn't get enough of it.

We took them downtown to see BJ's office (they just built a beautiful office and moved into it), had lunch and then visited crown center. We looked at all of the incredible Christmas trees up for auction, the huge train and even a ginormous gingerbread village all made from scratch. After a long day we came home, ate a bite and then headed out to the movies. It was such a fun day!

Grandma Carol had a request from BJ to make her Chocolate pie. She brought some ingredients and the recipe and then had the kids help her make it a few days before Thanksgiving. The kids always love helping in the kitchen but there's something special about time spent in the kitchen with Grandma.

The night before the "big day" BJ pulled out the turkey and yanked out the gizzards. Once Tom Turkey was all cleaned up I moved in for the big massage.

Carol and I laughed as I massaged Tom Turkey and gave him a pep talk for his big debut the next day.

Thanksgiving day was beautiful. The kids made crafts to put on the Thanksgiving table.

They played outside on this blow up contraption Grandma and Grandpa brought with them. They jumped on the tramp as we watched the parade inside and I even had time to give all the boys a haircut.

Carol taught me how to make yummy gravy. I've never been good at gravy so it was nice to get a hands on lesson. Oh boy did we make lot's of gravy!!!! BJ was thrilled as it is a necessity at the Thanksgiving dinner table. It was so much fun cookin' in the kitchen with Carol. We both commented that this is what made it special this year. Usually we all just make our dishes at home and bring them to the family dinner and sit down and eat. This year we made it all together! It really made it a meaningful day.

We all sat down to a beautiful harvest of food.

BJ carved the turkey and then we all went around the room telling what we were thankful for.

We were all especially thankful to have BJ's parents here this year. We love them and love it when they come to visit!

BJ stuffed himself like usual---always a funny site to see.

Later that evening we brought out the pies. We had the chocolate pie of course and then I made a banana cream cheesecake pie. This is the kids usual sitting spot. We have all sorts of seating in our house but they like to sit here on the hardwood floor where they can still see the t.v. Kids!!!

BJ loved his 2 favorite pies. They were both very good.

Before bed on Thanksgiving night something special happens at our house. Santa's Elves come to our house and deliver the kids their Christmas P.J.'s along with a letter from Santa telling them all the good things he's seen the kids do that year as well as a few tips of things they might want to work on that month so that he can bring them a wonderful present on Christmas Eve. The kids always try to catch the Elves in the act. It hasn't happened yet! Maybe next year! They were all so excited and loved their cozy pajama's.

It was fun for Howard and Carol to be part of this day. We just love them.

The day after Thanksgiving we always take the kids to a movie and lunch. This year we went and saw The Christmas Carol in 3D. It was an amazing 3D movie but very dark. I don't think we'll be buying it when it comes out on DVD. It was still fun.

The most special part of this weekend was seeing the bond made by Jace and Grandpa Howard. Grandpa spent countless hours playing pretend with Jace and his "good and bad guys" and his pirate castle. Every waking hour Jace wanted to be with Grandpa. It was a special moment in time that might not be replayed as we only get out to see family once a year--if that. Every moment spent creating that bond made my heart happy. It's the hardest part about living away from everyone. BJ and I will always remember this special week. It was perfect!


Thanks for coming! We love you guys!