Thanksgiving {2014}

We have so much to be thankful for and many days we take it for granted!  We shouldn't need a day like Thanksgiving to make us all sit down and recite what we're thankful for - but that's what we usually do...because life happens and we get busy and we rush and we just go with the motions.  I am hoping to slow down in the new year and really relish in the things that mean the most to me...my boys (all 3 of them)!

We had a low key, yet delicious Thanksgiving.  Our tradition is to head to Josh's parents house for an early dinner - leave the boys there for a couple days and get some shopping done!  Mission accomplished once again!  I love when someone else does the cooking...I just miss having left overs - but I don't miss the dishes or clean-up!

The boys helped me make dessert the night before by helping peel and core the apples for the apple crisp!  This is the coolest kitchen gadget ever by the way!  Somehow I ended up with two of them and I think I've used them twice...I always forget about them.

I am so happy these two boys are mine!!

Landon tried his first ever piece of gum on the way to Grandma and Papa's house...he did well.  The 2nd piece he had a few days later "accidentally went into my tummy" - direct quote from the Landon-man himself!

We love visiting our kitty Max when over there!!

The boys are sure thankful for their grandparents!

The fun fruit turkey my mother-in-law made!

My father-in-law carving the delicious bird!

After dinner nap :)

Turkey Trot {2014}

The boys ran in the 1K Turkey Trot yesterday - it was so nice having a run that we could walk to the starting line from our house!  It started at Zane's school.  After the run there was a free pancake breakfast for all of the participants - the boys loved that!  Great reward to a cold morning run!  Zane has asked to do the 5K for the next run that is here (which I think will be St. Patrick's Day dash) - here goes!  Guess I better get my buns in gear so I can run with him!  Wouldn't feel comfortable with him running a 5K without me close by.

Landon loved his shirt and has asked to where it again today -
I guess I better be quicker about doing laundry!

Best photo I could get of Zane coming to the finish line!

Right after the race - not even breathing heavy!  Granted it was only .5 miles, but still - he booked it!

Landon finishing up the race!

Thanksgiving 2013

We have so much in our lives to be grateful and thankful for!  I am very thankful for my family as torn up as it seems sometimes - it is so nice when we can all be in the same house for a short while.  I am thankful for a wonderful set of in-laws who have taken me in and love me as one of their own.

This year we headed over to my mom's for a breakfast cooked by my youngest brother and his very expectant wife!  It was delicious!  I'm not sure I've ever seen my boys eat so much bacon in one sitting! Its great to see my mom doing so well and taking care of herself - I hope this is something that continues from here on out!

I love my mommy.

Michael-Luke and Jenna with my little nephew cooking inside!!!

I can never get over how much my brother Charlie and Zane look a like -
it kind of creeps me out sometimes!

I'm most thankful for these two!

After breakfast at my mom and Grandma's, we headed west to beautiful Gig Harbor to have a traditional Thanksgiving turkey dinner!  It too was delicious!!!

Opening a special "before Christmas" present from Grandma & Papa!

Woohoo - Zane was a little excited about this!

Zane & Grandma!

Zane admiring the new advent calendar!

My in-laws were so gracious to take our cat Max in for us when we moved.
We LOVE to see him - but it breaks my heart at the same time because we can literally
tell that he's mad at us.  If he only knew, his other new home would've been the pound!

They dug out Josh's old trains from when he was a kid.  It was fun to see
Josh's light up when he played with them with the boys!

What a great day!  We hope yours was just as great!