thankful...

I'm very thankful for everything in my life right now... husband, kids, dog, family, friends, a place to call home ~ just so much.  I've experienced enough to know not to take anything for granted and because of that I take many steps back to just look around, take it in and... be thankful.  It happens all the time... most recently, about 15 minutes ago when the kids and I finished decorating the tree.  Such fun memories.  Oh yes, there were some arguments, we are a normal family... but, over all, a fun time. ;)

Night before Thanksgiving
We had some friends and their kids over on Wednesday before Thanksgiving.  Always a good time getting together.  We had all the kids here... it was loud, but the kids were all well-behaved.  Got to chat with some friends, which is always nice.  The guys were bowling (in league) most of the time, but we did all hang out for awhile after they got home.  The kids had a blast with the photo booth on our computer!!  We were laughing so hard!

Here is some of what they were doing...

Okay, this video just cracks me up!!

Thanksgiving Day
I ran in the Turkey Trot in the morning for the first time.  The weather was so nice for late-November.  There was some wind, but nothing to complain about.  Felt good to get a nice 5-mile run in before two feasts! ; )

We were able to spend Thanksgiving with both of our families.  My parents' for lunch and Mike's parents' for supper.  We are so lucky to have both of our families in town... not much traveling at all.  Just lots of eating and chatting.  I didn't take my camera along, which I'm sad about.  Just took these two towards the end of the day.  PJs were already on.

Nate: First real food
So, Nate still struggles with puffs.  It's really discouraged me from wanting to try any other foods with him.  Decided to try some mashed potatoes and squash yesterday since there was plenty there.  Well, the mashed potatoes went over better than the squash... but, neither were great.  Nate, Nate, Nate.  Here is a video.  He gags a bit towards the end.  Thought about editing that part out, but just don't feel like taking the time to do it.  So, here is the unedited version... sorry.

Kate and Nevie
Kate is usually really good with the babies.  Here she is with Nevie.  She does a good job at trying to make her smile... love how gentle she's being with her.  Don't get me wrong, we do have to watch Kate closely with Nevie.  But, she's very good with her most of the time.

Busy day today...
Today we put up the Christmas decorations, finished some outside lights and Mike attacked the basement.  Very productive day.  And, no I didn't go shopping... it's the first Black Friday in a long time that I haven't gone out.  I thought I'd get out at some point, but never did.  Kept busy enough here. Plus, just wasn't in the mood.  I did get some online shopping done late last night and this morning... that was fun, too.  A different kind of fun, but I really enjoyed it.  Might be my new tradition.  The only downside is that I couldn't treat myself to a Starbucks. ;)

We also got our tree today.  Planned to wait until tomorrow or Sunday to decorate, but we ended up doing it right away tonight.  So happy we did.  It was fun to do it when it was dark out and the lights were on as we were decorating.  Mike usually helps get the tree all ready and set up.  Then the kids and I decorate it.  This year he took a few pictures of us... thanks, Mike.

I think that's all for now!  Again, so much to be thankful for...

Keep smiling!!