Thanksgiving 2014

This Thanksgiving probably went down in the books as my favorite.  For starters, nobody was sick!  Can I get a Hallelujah?!

I think I say it every year, but as the kids get older, it seems to get sweeter.  I love the memories we are making, the conversations we are having as a family, and seeing everyone so genuinely tickled to be together.

The real kick off to Thanksgiving is the school program.  This year we did Charlie Brown Christmas. It was super cute and the kids did just wonderful.  Unfortunately, I don't have any photos.  I was just a tad bit busy playing the piano for it, but I assure you the girls looked absolutely beautiful and sang great, too.

After the program, we got Anna and Asher for a few days!  Oh, the fun!!

They played Monopoly for hours.  WHAT?!  They seem so old.

Thanksgiving day, we headed to Ankeny to the John's.  We arrived to a scrumptious brunch, then game playing and snacking, checked into our hotel, and back for the Thanksgiving feast.

Alisa always creates a beautiful space for us!

The kids' table!

Quite the crew.  

Friday morning, the ladies went out for breakfast and shopping, while the dads took the kids swimming.  It was a great time had by all!

That afternoon was more game playing (yes, we love games!) and snacking (yes, we love food!).  As the evening approached, Erica, Alisa, Dad, and I were getting giddy excited.  We knew a surprise was on its way!!  What could it be?!

A LIMO!!

Nana and the kids were completely floored!!  Was a limo necessary?  Heck no.  But oh my goodness, the squeals of delight were just precious!  On the way back, we were trying to see where we were, and Noah piped up, "At the corner of happiness."  Doesn't get better than that.

The limo took us to Jolly Holiday Lights, we oohed aahed over the light displays, visited Santa, and ate popcorn on the way back.  It was seriously such a treat!

The next morning, we went to Noah's basketball game, ate leftovers, then headed home to freshen up a bit and head to our next Thanksgiving celebration.  The fun never ends! :)

That afternoon/evening was spent with the Wessels fam.  Bonnie is always so great at crafts and activities for the kids, and we had a great time sitting around chatting and eating another Thanksgiving feast!

We went home that night filled to the brim with gratitude.  From one loving family to another, so much food, loads of cousins, playmates, and friends, lots of laughter, and sharing our lives together.  We are blessed beyond measure.

Thanksgiving 2014 was outstanding.  Thank you, Lord!