Thanksgiving 2009

In sticking w/our "traditional" Thanksgiving day routine, we woke up bright and early {thank you Keller for the 5:45 alarm clock} Thursday morning, ate a quick breakfast and then emptied the attic of all Christmas decorations. My plan wasn't to get it all out in one day but somehow that's how it ended up happening. I think the excitement from the boys spilled over to Tony and I b/c we were just as antsy about getting it put up as they were. Every time a box came down, Keller would say, "let's open this one Kase". Once they found their own Christmas tree and bag of ornaments, they were off to decorate. As I brought things inside, I watched them strategically place the ornaments on the trees and then listened to them talk about which ornaments were their favorites. I got so wrapped up in the moment that I forgot to take a picture of them sitting in the floor together. However, I did capture a picture of their beautifully decorated trees and will share those later. As soon as their trees were finished, it was back to unpacking totes and helping me figure out where things should go. Kase is just like me in that everything has a place. Keller, on the other hand, wanted everything cluttered together on the entryway table and dining room table. He didn't want one snowman to be w/out the others; they needed friends close by. Tony finished putting up the tree {still needs ornaments} while my little helpers and I finished off the boxes and perfectly placed things around the house. Fortunately, Kase and I were finally able to convince Keller that we needed to share the decorations w/the other rooms in the house. By the time we finished, it was noon and that meant it was time for Maw-maws yummy Thanksgiving meal. So, off we went to spend the afternoon w/our family.

Most of us were smiling about having a full plate;

while others frowned at the sight of turkey on their plate.

The boys spent the majority of the afternoon outside w/their cousins chasing birds,

playing football, debating about which trees to climb,

and swinging on Maw-maws ol' red swing.

Keller did manage to find enough time {and a prop} to entertain everyone before we left.

It was the perfect ending to a very special day. The food was great, the weather was beautiful, and time spent w/family is always a reminder of how truly blessed we are. So undeserving at times, yet God continues to bless our lives daily. Lord, we are so thankful for your unconditional love and give you thanks for all we've been given!