Much to be thankful for...

Thanksgiving was pretty exciting this year. It started out with a" big winter storm" that had us worried we wouldn't even make it out of the Minneapolis airport. I had visions of being snowed in and having to make my first Thanksgiving meal with absolutely no help from my mom or time to prep (literally and mentally). Of course, we give ourselves more than two hours at the airport only to make it through security in ten minutes and have our flight depart on time (despite the deicing on the tarmac that took 45-60 minutes. Grrrrr.) We got into Dayton just fine on Wednesday night, had a nice 45 minute car ride to Mason, OH where Greg and Natalie live and slept like champs. Tom and I were even upgraded to a super comfy king size bed instead of an airmattress this year! (Have I mentioned I love being pregnant? *smile)

Thanksgiving morning was busy with dinner preperations. I wish I could say I contributed to the delicious meal we had, but I only poured water. But I did watch and ask questions, just in case I ever have to figure this whole turkey thing out on my own. Al (Natalie's dad) did a fabulous job with the turkey. He's the man!

 

Boys working hard making breakfast in the kitchen - love it!

In she goes!

"Papa, pleeeease throw us up in the air one more time?"

"Ok, one more time but only this once."

Serious cribbage players.

Serious solitaire players.

The girls checking Al's turkey work.

It turned out fabulous!

Everything did. Stuffing. Sweet potatoes. Green bean casserole. Warm roles with homemade jelly. Mashed potatoes and gravy. Cranberries.

I.want.more.now.

Awwwww....

Watch out!

Family pic. We finally got out of our pj's! *smile.

Glasses when you don't need them is the new cool thing.

So is playing dress-up. Brooke was a "pirate princess." Bless her sweet heart.

Looking online for THE COOLEST princess and spider man pictures to color with Uncle T.

We also had a "small" project to tackle while we were at their house - recovering the six dining room chairs that Natalie's parents brought with them. (Tom and I had done this once before with our own dining room chairs - and the major assistance of my interior designer sister - two and a half years ago...)

Before:

Tom and Greg workin' the staple gun.

And seven hours (not kidding) later................

After:

We surprised Grant that night with an early Christmas present - his very own live African dwarf frogs! Natalie and I found them at their local Hallmark store of all places. They came as part of this cool Wild Creations EcoAquarium. Brooke was a little scared, but Grant was thrilled. He feeds them two pellets each twice a week, and the aquarium has to be cleaned every couple of months. I kind of want one....

Brooke, in her princess nightgown, and Uncle T watching Beauty and the Beast for the 18th time....

I don't have any pictures from our girls shopping trip and lunch on Monday or from my time spent sleeping in and relaxing with my book or a magazine or from our two trips to the gym or our family Hallmark movie night......it was a busy but relaxing four and a half days with the Barntsen fam! Tom and I are so grateful for such wonderful and loving families on both sides.

And that's our Thanksgiving wrap-up!