Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!

Big thanks to Gary Musick Productions for this awesome photo...

Happy Thanksgiving!

It's the most wonderful time of the year...time for thankfulness and embarking on a season of giving. I have so much to be thankful for this year.

Tuesday we went to Sam's Thanksgiving program at the Otter Creek School. His Kindergarten class did the program and songs that the OC Kindergarten has been doing for years. It is a special day for all those affiliated with that school. Sam rocked it as an Indian brave!

Otter Creek Kindergarten

Sam is on the back row in the middle

Love this..."It's a FREE 'lay-und' and beautiful 'lay-und..."

Sam with Mommy and me

Ms. Melissa (Sam's teacher) complete with her Native American braids

Wednesday night we embarked on our family tradition with the Williamsons since the early 90's. Byron and Beth are like another set of parents for Sheryl and me and have been for many years. We love them so much!

Byron and Beth Williamson with Sheryl and me

Sarah and Jack Williamson

this is "Sister". (aka: Shelly Williamson Church)

All the "siblings" L-R: Sheryl, Ryan Williamson, me, Sarah Williamson, Shelly Williamson Church and Adrian Church. We love all of them!

On Thanksgiving Day we went to the Penna's (Kiki's house) They have an awesome trail out back where we rode scooters all day long. You can really get to going very fast!

my kids with Canaan Gonzalez and Brayton Boyd (cousins)

Sam and I had a blast on his scooter!

We caught the whole Thomas clan scooting down the hill...each one comes by to say hello

Brayton Boyd, Nikki Turner and me (sweet cousins)

Sheryl and I pose with Kiki and Kevin...we can never figure out what they are...although cousins, they feel much more like brother and sister. They hosted our family celebration this year.

Kiki and Kevin came up with a one word description to describe each of the guests...it was very thoughtful and encouraging.

Kevin (my kids call him "Uncle Biggie") slaves in the kitchen

post dinner laughs

Cousins! Kevin and Kiki Penna, Sheryl and me, Chris and Gail Gonzalez, and Matt and Julie Boyd

Cousins! Ella, Nikki Turner, Sam, Joel Boyd, Brayton Boyd, Lexi Boyd, Canaan Gonzalez, Sierra Gonzalez, Maddie and Gracie Penna (missing Liam Penna who was napping!)

My mom, and Sheryl's parents--Ernestine and Bob Rathbun

Bob and Ernestine

Those crazy Boyds

Gracie and Liam posed in their new Christmas pj's

For some DUMB reason we decided to brave the crowds for the 10pm "door buster" sale at Toys R Us. HORRIBLE idea! We waited outside for over an hour in the freezing rain and then once we got in, it was a mad house. I waited in the check out line for about an hour.. No more...next year, I am totally back to Black Monday Internet shopping!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! We love you all!

Thanksgiving 2009

On this Thanksgiving day we give thanks for all the gifts of grace in our lives...our friends, family, and God's love that covers us.

Ella had a class program this week...it's the perfect way to say Happy Thanksgiving today.



Every boy and girl in Ella's class was given an assignment to create part of the pilgrim village. It was quite impressive. Definitely some help from the moms and dads! :) There was also an Indian tee pee village but I didn't grab a picture of it.


I loved this picture she drew...it says "I'm thankful for the earth"


Ella's drawing of our family

I love that she wrote "Grandmol". We're thankful for Nonnie and MeeMaw!

Sweet Ella!

"Welcome"

"We Give Thanks"

Our Thanksgiving holiday began last night with an evening of hilarity. Bobby and Sonya Colvert treated us to the "Doyle and Debbie Show". It was so hilarious. Steve and Karen Speake, Keely and Melissa Hall, and my mom were with us. We laughed until we cried at songs like "Blue Stretch Pants", "Stock Car Love", and "Snowbanks of Life" ("I wrote your name in gold on the snowbanks of life"). Crazy and hilarious.

This morning we woke up ready to all pile on the couch and watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. We're watching for all of our NYC friends. Good luck!

This afternoon we are having the traditional T-Giving meal at Byron and Beth Williamson's with Ryan and Sarah and their kids and my mom. We've spent holiday meals together for many years. We're excited to be with them.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you! We have so many things to be thankful for this year.