Give Thanks

In a moment of insanity (or maybe desperation to spend the holiday with a set of parents after 5 years), Jake and I decided to drive home to my parent's for Thanksgiving. The 12 hour drive should have deterred us, but somehow it didn't seem that bad in our heads. Jake was done for the week on Monday, so after I got off work Tuesday morning we were off. The kids actually did spectacular, so we can't complain. It's just a really long drive. We did love the scenery along the way. . .
but were soo glad to get out of the car. The kids were off and running as soon as they saw Amber, and we didn't see them much for the rest of our trip. Another reason we braved the car ride :).

Thanksgiving dawned a beatiful day. It was beautiful. Warm, sunny, and clear. Nothing like stuffing yourself with the sun shining.

My family's Thanksgiving dinner was at my Uncle's house. A little crowded, but so fun to have so many family members around. Ells found a sucker, so Thanksgiving was a wonderful day for her. Mom actually let her eat whatever sweets she wanted!

It was so wonderful being surrounded by family on a day where your entire focus is gratitude for the blessings in your life. I have many, many things to be thankful for, but my family is the biggest. :)

While we were there, Ellie took over my dad's chair. I asked her what she was doing, and she got a little devious smile and said, "Ellie Grapaw chair."

My brothers peeling potatoes. I know it's hard to believe from this picture, but they are both single. Ladies, I'm playing matchmaker. Bachelor #1 on the left is an RM, #2 on the right is still a Jr. in High school. All interested parties should just leave me comments. :)

We got to help my parents put up their Christmas tree. Ells spent most of the remaining time around the tree, examining the ornaments at her level.

Connor got a trombone lesson from Grandpa. My dad must be a little rusty, because this is how Connor was the whole time my dad was playing.

But he had to try it out for himself. . . it's almost bigger than he is. . .

We drove back Saturday night, and today spent the day trying to reclaim our house. We did find time to set up our awesome Nativity (Jake's parents brought it back from their Jerusalem trip last year), so now Ellie has one more thing I can tell her to "just look" at. Joy. Oh, Kranzie - the baby Jesus is perfect. Thank your mom/Pika for me.:)

It's good to be home. I have a few days to recoup before I work again; only3 more orientation shifts, and then I am officially done with my crazy hours!! I'm really enjoying my job, but it will be nice to not have to go there quite as much.

Hope y'all had a great Thanksgiving!