Thanksgiving 2008

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with our friends Kenny and Jamey. I think this was our 6th time to spend Tday with them. The first year we had just moved to Huntsville and no one could go home for the long weekend so us, them and our friend Michelle along with some other friends and family had a potluck Thanksgiving. Each year the "extras" changes a little bit, but I love that anyone is welcome around the table! This is one of the things I look forward to each year--I truly enjoy this time. Now that Kenny and Jamey have moved away, the time together is even more precious.

This year the kids really enjoyed playing together. Two 3-year olds and a 2-year old did remarkably well. There were few fights or arguments, and they all pretty much entertained each other. Braden is laid back, and really didn't need anyone to entertain him. He was just along for the ride...well, and the food! :)

This is the first year we've been able to stay the whole weekend--we've always had worry about the paper routes and rush back get back to deliver some more! This time was so laid back--it actually felt like a little vacation! We got in Wednesday night, and left after lunch Sunday.

Thursday, of course, was getting food ready and EATING!!! Dawn and Chris joined us again this year and we all had such a nice day of visiting! There was turkey, a slap-yo-momma-delicious ham, dressing/stuffing..whatever you call it, green bean casserole, garlic cheesy mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, baked macaroni and cheese, yummy rolls and plenty of desserts!!! Don't worry about me, fellow contest members!! I think Thanksgiving took me out of contention!! :)

Friday Jamey and I hit the road at 4:30 to do some shopping! We got some great deals, and we also got a lot of fun visiting and talking time. Especially in the 1 1/2 hour long line at Target! We were SOOOO upset we forgot a camera, because we had a killer blog planned out!! We got 7 hours of shopping in, and still made it back home by 1pm!

Saturday we headed up to BassPro Shop, and the kids had a really great time. We loved seeing all the animals, plus they had the Christmas Wonderland set up. We stood in line to see Santa, and the closer we got Jordan started telling me, "I don't wanna see Santa Claus!" Well, when it was our turn, she flipped out!!! Lawson ended up sitting there alone and giving a cheesy smile to the camera! Avery knew all along that she didn't want to see him--she didn't even get in line! She just waited patiently with Jamey while we made it through. We wrapped up our morning out with lunch at Steak N Shake, then headed home to give the kids naps and to watch games 37, 38, 39, 40, 41 and 42 of football for the weekend!!! :) (That's all I need to say about what Jon and Kenny did all weekend!) :)

Sunday we were able to worship with our friends. It was so great to meet some of their friends that we've heard so much about. It's neat to share a friendship, but it's even more special when you are able to worship with your friends and share that bond too.

It really was a wonderfully refreshing weekend.

I enjoyed the opportunity to spend extra time focusing on what I am truly thankful for. I am thankful for my family. I am thankful for the place that God has us in our lives right now. I am thankful for our church family and all the ways that we are so bountifully and exceedingly blessed.

And I am thankful for our forever friends.