Gobble Gobble

Gray Farm

There are several reasons Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.  Did you realize it is the only four day stretch we get as a holiday?  Even Christmas, is only one day off and then you hope it is up against a weekend so you at least get three days in a row.  Thanksgiving though, is Thursday through Sunday every year which means it is enough time for long road trips and extra time with my sweet children making memories.  

Instant mood booster on the road- waffle fries

These little road warriors were extra super troopers this trip, especially Wednesday when we sat in a lot of holiday traffic and the trip took ten hours!  Even with rain, traffic jams, a time change, and interrupting their deep sleep when we arrived we were amazed and extra grateful for how easy our kids were on this trip.

We stayed at Gran's house, and the first Thanksgiving without her had it's emotional moments, but overall it just felt right to be there with everyone like always.  The farm is such a special place with so many memories and on Thursday thirty-five of us who loved her most gave thanks and gathered as family for fun and food.

Luke and his fan club

Stealing kisses while he was distracted with cheesecake

Luke was a little overwhelmed by all the people, but Kate loved the attention and craziness of it all.  It was chilly but not too cold to go outside and play and explore.  The kids particularly enjoyed riding down the front sidewalk on a vintage school bus.

If you noticed how adorable Kate's hair looks in the above picture, it's because for some reason she will sit perfectly still for anyone besides her mother.  Moment of honesty, even if she sat still for me, I wouldn't be able to braid anything close to that, but she would never give me the chance to learn!

Carol making Kate look fancy

On Friday, we were lucky enough to meet the new baby of the family on Matt's dad's side, Jackson!  He is 11 months old, has hair that puts Baby Kate's head full of locks at that age to shame, and blue eyes like his cousin Luke.  It was great to meet him and to see Carol and Sydney too.

Sharing wisdom with the newcomer

Friday afternoon we went to a playground, stuffed ourselves with leftovers, and watched Kentucky basketball.  On Saturday we drove back, but thankfully it only took about eight hours.  Luke unraveled toward the end of the trip, screaming "Oooooouuuuuuttttttt!" over and over between sobs, but really, I wanted to scream it too so I didn't blame him.  Even with his protests, they did remarkably well again and that's a good sign since Christmas, and our next big road trip, is right around the corner.

Maybe we should let Kate drive

Time off work, time with family, tasty foods, the beginning of the holiday season and all the coziness it brings... there are so many reasons I love Thanksgiving.  Mostly though, it's the idea to set aside a day to be thankful that makes me love this holiday more than others.  What a wonderful reminder to slow down, look around, and see the abundance of blessings in our lives and to express gratitude for them.  I know my list keeps getting longer every year.  I am thankful for you and hope you had a happy Thanksgiving!