Giving Thanks

 

 

 

Thanksgiving was truly a blessing this year.  We have so much to be thankful for day in and day out, but this year proved to be one that will go down into the record books.

It was so fun to celebrate Everett’s first thanksgiving with all of our Florida friends and family, as well as Grandma Pam (Mike’s mom) who is visiting from Wisconsin. 

 

 

We started the day off with some playing with the little guy before we headed out to make up our own Turkey Trot.  The weather was beautiful (a little chilly at the top of the bridge) and it felt so good to get our 5 miler finished before the festivities started!  We didn’t really have a route picked out when we started…we just started running and when we hit 2.5 miles we headed back.  It felt spectacular…just as it should since our half marathon is THIS WEEKEND!  Eek!

 

 

Since E had the attention of both Gransie and Grandma he was in hog heaven and didn’t even know we were gone.  Everett even got to play with his buddy Hurley who survived the week in the hospital and came home for Thanksgiving!  We were all so thankful!

 

 

After a few last minute tasks it was almost time for the guests to arrive.  Everett got into his Thanksgiving best and even put on shoes…although he really couldn’t figure out what was on his feet!  He was a hit with the family and actually handled all of the new faces very well.  Mike and I were busy setting up the buffet and didn’t even see him for a while.  I’m glad he did well, since this was just a precursor to what Christmas will be like in Wisconsin – he’d better get ready!

 

Loving on Aunt Dawnie!

 

Our Thanksgiving Menu included the following:

Turkey (of course)

Mom’s Famous Dressing

Gravy

Mashed Potatoes

Green Beans

Sweet Potato Casserole

Cranberry Relish

Strawberry Congealed Jello Salad

Homemade Yeast Rolls

Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Pumpkin Pie

Apple Pie

 

Spectacular dessert with a spectacular sunset!

 

 

 

After stuffing ourselves, all of the grandchildren (and spouses) were summoned over to our Nana’s house – which is right next to my mom’s house.  My cousin Jason thought we were in trouble, just as Mike was saying, “All the grandchildren at Nana’s, how cool!”  As it turns out she wanted to bring us all together to give us each an amazing gift; coins that my late grandfather Pop had collected. 

 

Nana explaining all about the coins, just as Pop would have.

We were all so surprised and honored.  We think of him everyday and love that he had collected the coins for us to have one day.  He was a great collector and on most of the coins has labeled them with the date and location from which they came.  I haven’t decided how, but I would love to find a way to display them in Everett’s room – they are not only special, but sooo cool!

After that, it was pajama time for the little guy, which I was so excited for since it was officially “after Thanksgiving” I could officially put him in his Christmas pajamas (and even Christmas diapers – courtesy of Target).  Two thumbs up.

 

I don’t think he was quite as worn out as we were, but it was close.  After he went down, we adults ended the night with some coffee, football and early bed times.

And for those of you who have been praying for my mom’s dog Hurley; good news!  He came this past Monday and was with us for Thanksgiving (as mentioned above)!  He literally was on his deathbed and has to be the biggest (canine) fighter I know.  He’s walking like a champ and so happy to be with the ones he loves.  And for that we are truly thankful.

 

We definitely had so much to be thankful for this year!