Counting our blessings...

Pre-Thanksgiving

Rochelle & da boyz had the whole week off of school for Thanksgiving break so since they were scheduled to go to Brent's sisters's on Thanksgiving Day, they came to play with us for a couple of days & spend some time with T at the River for a little PRE-Thanksgiving celebration - it was gorgeous California autumn weather & the trees were hanging on to that last bit of vibrant color...

Olivia was delighted to have "kids" to play with & da boyz were very good to her, especially Carson.

They climbed on the water feature...



Played bocce ball & other things...





Painted some handprint turkeys (I got the idea from Alana - she made them in Kindergarten)...






Aunt Nicole joined in on the fun, too...



The next day we dug in the dirt...



Cleaned out my garden...




Had our own little Turkey Bowl...





Painted some more...



Liv helped make dessert...





Had a delicious "smoked" turkey thanks to G'pa's mad skills...





Hung out in the hot tub...




Thanksgiving -

Even though the Petersens had to leave us, Ben flew in & Kyle's family came to spend the night. They brought more fun with them on Thanksgiving Day.



Amy brought all the supplies needed for the kids to make these fun little edible turkeys...




Everyone pitched in to get dinner ready...





Avery made name tags for the place settings...I think ours were exceptional!




Kyle insists he started this family tradition - a layer of turkey covered with a mashed potatoe volcano filled with peas & smothered in gravy....



Amy slipped "thankful for" notes from family who couldn't be there under each plate for us to read during dinner. As we went around the table to express gratitude for specific blessings, we celebrated with loved ones far & near...CHEERS! Matinelli's sparkling cider is a delicious way to celebrate.





Nicole & Adia jumped on the clean up...



Of course we played games...




Kenyon & Jude were checkin out the Black Friday Ads...




Post-Thanksgiving -

Terri & I were too pooped from our recent Car-cation to join all the crazy people Black Friday shopping, but Nicole & Kyle got up EARLY & met Rochelle out in all the madness. Terri & Ben did go out to lunch & catch a movie - meanwhile, Paul & I enjoyed another relaxing day at the River with the kids - it was another beautiful day...








Kenyon challenged me to a hoola-hoop contest...booyah! who's your g'ma?



Later that night we busted out the Christmas decor & got started decking the halls...



Olivia had some very strong opinions as to where things should go...




I was able to convince her otherwise...



She was super excited to welcome a special guest!



I heard some great advice the other day, "It's not enough to count your blessings - you need to make your blessings count."



We hope your Thanksgiving was fabulous.