Thanksgiving

   We were very lucky this year and got to celebrate Thanksgiving two times!  The first celebration occurred on the Monday before Thanksgiving.  We drove to Buena Vista to Joey's dad's house.  Don is an incredible cook and we always look forward to all of the amazing food he makes.  The kids are always very excited to see the horses too.
   As usual, Don made an incredible meal and we were definitely stuffed to the gills when we left.  We were very glad we got to celebrate Thanksgiving with Joey's side of the family.  It was a really nice day.

Papa and the kids

Checking out the yummy turkey

Gracie and me

Ashlyn visiting her favorite horses

Gracie loves to pet the horses

   Our actual Thanksgiving, was a busy one.  Even though we had only been in our house for a few weeks, we decided we wanted to host my family.  I worked really hard on the house to get it ready for  our big meal.  I also cooked like crazy, which I always enjoy.  I tried several new recipes that I thought turned out very well.
   While I was at home cooking, Joey started his day with a huge game of flag football with a bunch of his friends from high school.  He always enjoys catching up with old friends and getting to play some football.
    We ate in the early afternoon and it was a great meal. Despite just moving in, our first Thanksgiving went very smoothly.  I think we may have to host every year.  Next year, I hope to be able to squeeze in the Turkey Trot especially since it now goes right by our new house.
   We had so much to be grateful this year.  We are so beyond blessed to be in our dream house.  It was a lot of hard work and dedication to get here, but we are so thankful and blessed.  It is truly everything we have dreamed and hope for and more!  We have a new home, three healthy children, and so much else to be grateful for. To say we are thankful would be understatement.   God has definitely  blessed us immensely.

Joey with his friend Chris

Football time

Looks like quite the game they play

Trying to keep Gracie occupied in the kitchen while I cook.  

Gracie and Daddy

Gracie watching Gram (This is a special smoked turkey that Joey brought back from Texas.  That is why it looks so burnt.  It wasn't.  )

Mashing the potatoes

Time to cut the turkey

My grandma is the best at making gravy

The guys helped by watching football

The sun was very bright, so the picture is bad, but here is our table

Everyone ready to dig in

Best buds

I bet they are thankful for each other

Quick couple shot

Gracie got very tired by the time we ate

What Gracie did while we all ate.  (We saved a plate for her.)

Uncle Bryan had to work, so Gracie ate with him when we got to our house since they both missed the main meal.