Gobble, gobble

Black Friday.  Otherwise known as our day to recover from the stuffing-our-face-hangover caused by Thanksgiving dinner at my parents' house.

I think my entire family enjoyed the "brown Thursday".  What's not to love?  Going over to Grandma and Grandpa's house, snacking and eating all day, watching movies on TV all day (after the Lion's game of course), and staying up late.

I love this holiday for so many reasons, but mostly because it's the start of the holiday season.  Starting with the ginormous pile of sale ads in our Thursday paper.  Flipping through the Target and Kmart ads get me all giddy thinking about the gifts I still have left to buy and the season that's upon us.  That and homemade pumpkin waffles were enough to get me in a spectacular mood.

After a stressful hour drive in the inch of snow (black ice is no joke), it was so nice to walk into my parents' warm house with the scents of turkey and stuffing in the air.  Delicious!

Evan definitely enjoyed his first official Thanksgiving.  I don't consider him experiencing a Thanksgiving until he's old enough to scarf down the turkey, mashed potatoes, etc.  Some of his favorites included the carrots, sweet potatoes, and stuffing.  The turkey was a bit challenging to consume with his....7 teeth.

Aside from the grub, the whole family enjoyed being together for the first time since the spring.  My grandma, two uncles, and aunt Marianne came out.  All of whom I wish we saw more of.  And the night was finished with some homemade apple pie and pumpkin cake and a Facetime session with my brother and sister-in-law in Portland.

Sean also managed to celebrate a first for something - his first hot chocolate!  In an espresso mug, which just happens to be the perfect size for a 3 year old.  How stylish is he?!

Another Thanksgiving has come and gone, but this one is surely one for the books.  I'm thrilled my extended family was able to come.  That's definitely something to be thankful for.  That, yesterday, everyone was in good health and spirits.

Today, we all rolled out of bed a little later than usual (thank you, boys!).  Our main goal was to get the house ready for Christmas!  The tree is up, the lights are up outside, Cookie Monster (Sean's Elf) arrived, and we went to downtown to watch Santa's arrival by fire truck this evening!

Sean was ecstatic to see Santa arrive in one of his favorite vehicles and to me, it's really started the momentum for this holiday season!  I'm so thankful for my little family.  It's such a joy to experience these holidays through my children's eyes.

Happy Thanksgiving, from my family to yours!!