Thanksgiving

I know it's almost Christmas but I haven't mentioned Thanksgiving yet.  It continues to be one of my favorite holidays - full of tradition, love, family, laughter and yummy food.

Four years ago we started a new tradition running in the Turkey Trot Thanksgiving morning.  The first year we had Braden and Olivia in the jogging stroller, last year it was Olivia and Norah but this year we left Norah and the stroller at home and Braden and Olivia joined us on foot.  

Braden and I ran most of it with some walking interspersed, Steve and Dick took turns with Olivia on their shoulders and I do think she walked a little bit.  It was COLD but it always feels so good to start Thanksgiving being active outside.

We've spent just about every Thanksgiving I can remember with our "Thanksgiving Family," the Bruesehoffs.  This tradition started when Sam, Peter, Nathan and I were very young and so it's quite fun to now watch Braden, Olivia, Norah and Lincoln join the crew.

This was Lincoln's first Thanksgiving with us - isn't he just precious?  I LOVE watching my children interact with him.  He is not going to be short on love that's for sure.

We all geared up and watched The Packers!  Even Norah did some cheering.

Norah LOVES her Papa.

The kids, Emily and I made turkey place card holders this year.  

My precious boys.

Peter and Nana!

On Friday we bundled up and went for a wonderful walk down to the river and then circled back and played at a playground for a bit.  Norah and Daddy did some sliding.

Emily and Lincoln did too!

We're not too old to enjoy a little healthy rivalry trying to obstacle course from one side to the other side of the equipment.  Nathan was quick but I think Steve took home the gold.

I sat in the spinner for a little lounging but my son (who you can see lying on the ground) decided to spin me as fast as he could!  DIZZY....

It was yet again a wonderful few days at my parents. I love that we are all comfortable enough to spread out, enjoy conversations, step over mounds of toys, share pictures, reminisce, laugh about jokes year after year after year and just relax knowing that we are surrounded by people who love and support each other.

I am so THANKFUL for THANKSGIVING.