Thanksgiving 2021

 We enjoyed a visit from Jason's parents for the Thanksgiving break, including the time before and afterward. They got to celebrate Erik's birthday with us beforehand, and a little bit of Christmas after we cleaned up from Thanksgiving and fall decor.

We visited a cider mill, for one of the last days it was open. It was one we hadn't been to in a while. Someday, we'll have to try the donuts and cider from various cider mills to compare, because they're all a little different.

Jacob came over before we went to the cider mill.

Kai and Abuelo washed the camper before the expected snow later the next day.

And it came!

Gramms and Luke

down time

On Thanksgiving morning, Jason, Erik, and I ran a 5k turkey trot in honor of Erik's Stride program that he participated in at school. It was supposed to be Austin with them, but when he was invited to the Young Men's Turkey Bowl (football), he decided he wanted to do that. Luckily, I was only going to be a support person, so I gladly ran in the place of a 12-year-old boy! Since it was raining that morning, we just ran the race and then left, so we didn't hear if there was a problem with me running in his place. Luckily, we had Abuelo there to take our pics because Victoria and Kai decided to not be our cheering squad, as was originally planned, due to all the rain. They stayed with Gramms who was helping with Thanksgiving prep work and Victoria set up the Christmas tree.

It turns out Austin was killing it at the Turkey Bowl. He snuck in three touchdowns for his team! Erik did amazing at the Turkey Trot and ran the whole 3 miles. Those boys were tuckered out for a while when they got home!

Wet and muddy!

The dinner was amazing, as usual, with Jason's expert turkey, sweet potatoes, and stuffing. Kai made the mashed potatoes, and the boys helped me with the rolls the day before. Gramms made the cranberry sauce and was the assistant for many things and was on top of the clean-up. I made the roasted beets and carrots and the apple and pumpkin pies the day before. With the way we teamed up and timed everything, we ate right at 4 and had time to clean up and watch Spiderman together before too late. In between the cooking, the kids and I played Throw, Throw Burrito (which was so fun!), and the older three and I played some Christmas music on our strings for Gramms and Abuelo. It was the perfect day!

Leia couldn't stand waiting for turkey. She kept getting in the cupboard!

Throw, Throw Burrito duel

Erik's dinner

Austin's dinner of peas and turkey, before he grabbed a bunch of rolls.

What the rest of us ate!

And this, and pie (not pictured)

Luke watched us eat from the mantel.

The next day, Kai and I went with Gramms to do some Black Friday shopping. Victoria was at the mall with some friends for her shopping and all the boys, including the men, watched football! They watched more football games on Saturday and we decorated for Christmas, plus Jason pretty much finished the sunroom!

Watching The Game

We were very excited that Michigan beat Ohio State!

The transition from the kitchen to the sunroom is complete!

Jason worked long and hard at it!

Will put together my little plant stand for me.

The kids enjoyed decorating the tree.

I'm so grateful for this time to give thanks and remember our blessings.