ThanksGIVING

 My mom and Jim had planned on coming to our for Thanksgiving a while ago. Jim hadn't been to our house, minus one quick night on the way back from Costa Rica when he escorted Kai here while the rest of us were sick with covid, since before covid. So it has been 3 years at least. Jim likes to keep busy and do projects. While we still have plenty of things to work on at our home, there haven't been as many work projects as there used to be when Grandpa Jim made his annual trip with my mom. With a two-week stay, I kept everyone busy, including a project with Jason to finish up our garage organization.  

I pushed up our traditional Salvation Army bell-ringing tradition to the first Thursday they were here, partially hoping the weather would be warmer, since in times past it's usually extremely cold during the two hours we ring the bell. Well, wouldn't you know but that was two days before Erik's party when it was super cold and it was dang cold during the bell ringing! Even Erik, who loves the cold, commented how every year when we ring the bell it's the coldest time. We can't catch a break! However, it was still just as festive and fun. We enjoyed singing with Grandma and Grandpa and since Austin is now a percussionist in the band, he added a little to our carols with the bucket, the kettle,  and the "stuffer" stick (used to stuff the money in the kettle). It was a fun night! We missed Victoria who was at dance class.

Friday I had to volunteer for the last big fundraiser for the marching band- setting up for the craft fair. I had signed my mom and Jim up as well. We helped set up the tables and the numbers for where each crafter would put their set-ups. 

On Saturday was the leaf raking I mentioned in my previous post for Erik's birthday party. We helped the youth project by raking leaves with them for two different sisters. It was cold, but it was worth it!

Our last "giving" project was the day after Thanksgiving when we all went to the Detroit Temple to perform baptisms for our ancestors. Jim and my mom went in the help assist in the witnessing and recording, and of course for Jim in the confirmations. Jason performed the baptisms. Erik isn't quite ready to go in, which will happen in January, so he and I stayed outside and played games, walked the grounds, and went for a walk in the neighborhood. It was a beautiful morning and a nice time to be at the temple. He hadn't been there in a long time, so I was able to discuss with him about the temple and help prepare him for when he'll be able to go inside. 

Backtrack to Thanksgiving: Victoria and Kai set up and decorated the Christmas trees while the rest of us went to the turkey trot. Jason and the boys ran and did amazing! With the low temps and snow that we received the week before, they didn't train as much as they had planned, but the weather was nice that day and they all felt good! I believe Jason and Erik beat their times from last year! Austin and Erik made a quick appearance at the church turkey bowl, which was fun for them and gave them some more good outdoor time. The rest of the day we were prepping the food and decorating. 

Before the race.

Austin, coming in at the end.

Erik and Jason looking good!

Erik actually felt pretty good, but he had to make an awful face!

Grandpa and Kai, working on a puzzle.

Dinner was amazing, as usual, with Jason doing the turkey, sweet potato casserole, and dressing. I made the rolls, green beans, mashed potatoes, and a pumpkin pie, and my mom and Jim made an apple pie and cranberry sauce. 

Jason guided Victoria in making the sweet potato casserole.

Victoria has always loved the drumstick!

Erik and his pile of noodles and rolls!

We played a draw-a-turkey dice game and wrote what we were thankful for on our thankful picture. We ended the day watching The Grinch. Now I can't believe it's already over- Happy Thanksgiving!