Thanksgiving Break

It was truly great to have a week off with the boys.  It had been a long time since we had had a break, so it was well deserved.  I will admit the first day is always hard.  The boys are used to their routine...used to having an adult tell them what they are supposed to be doing.  It doesn't take long for them to realize Mom is not the camp counselor...before you know it they are off coming up with adventures.

Some of the highlights....

A picnic with Aunt Susan and Campbell at their church's playground.  We went straight from this playground to another where we met a group of friends!  Playground hopping!

A visit with the Springfields.  I do not have any pictures (to busy visiting!) The boys played a great game of football with Mr. Springfield and then we all headed to Old Dutch!  Always fun to play with this crew.

Of course, Thanksgiving Day was awesome.  See my post about it here.

A long walk around the neighborhood.  I forget what fun can be had down by the creek!

 

The highlight of the week was a three day weekend at the hunting camp.  Always relaxing.

We actually hunted this weekend.  So thankful for all the camo hand-me-downs that we have received through the years.  These guys are well dressed!

The afternoon I sat with William and John, we saw at least 7 deer.  Most does and little fawns, but we did see one spike and an 8 point.  The 8 point moved too fast to catch him on film.

Lots of shooting house selfies!  Chris and I take turns sitting with the boys.  He carries a gun...I carry a camera.

Good memories!  Everyone came home asking when we get to go back!  Now back to school and onto the craziness that December always brings!

Gobble, Gobble!

Our Thanksgiving Day couldn't have been better.  We rose early to get the turkey prepared.  Chris was methodical in his research.  He created his own recipe for the brine and stuffing.  He worked so hard!!

No...he wasn't drinking beer that early...those went in to the pan

The result was not only beautiful, but one of the most delicious turkeys ever!!

We had a crowd...GranGran, PopPop, Dee, Aunt Elizabeth, Aunt Susan, Uncle Rob, Campbell, Uncle Cameron, and Aunt Heather!!  We love big family dinners.  Everyone brought a dish, so hosting truly was easy and fun.  The whole meal was incredible!

Of course, our favorite part was the time to play with all the company.  A lot of outside time and a little relaxing watching football after the meal.  Aunt Elizabeth stayed until late in the evening, making the boys very happy.

There's so much to be thankful for these days, but mostly I am thankful for all these folks (and those that couldn't be with us) that surrounded my table for Thanksgiving dinner.  I'll leave you with a verse that was shared in a Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Thanksgiving e-mail.  I see several "thanksgiving" verses this time of year, but this one I had not heard and it touched me in a special way, considering many of my prayers these days revolve around fostering bone growth!

"And now, bless the God of all,

who has done wondrous things on Earth;

Who fosters people's growth from their mother's womb,

and fashions them according to his will!

May he grant you joy of heart

and peace remain among you!"

Sirach 50:22, 23