Thankful for Thanksgiving

There just aren't enough times in the year for people to get together with their families. Daily grinds and busy schedules keep us involved in our lives so it's always nice when you are able to put all of that aside, throw away schedules, and visit with the people who are most important. I didn't realize, until this year, how important families are. I do know, however, that it isn't easy, or even fun sometimes to get so many people together, but it is sooooooooo important. The people who came before me worked to create traditions in my family and while sometimes it is work, I'm realizing why we all spent time and money to spend time together....Tradition! I want my children to have the same traditions that I had, and more so that maybe, when I'm long gone, that tradition will live on. Maybe I'll live on with them, just as my grandparents, who we missed so dearly this Thanksgiving, lived on in our hearts this holiday.

Having said all of that.........WHEW! It was a busy Thanksgiving, but a really good one! I can't list everything that I'm thankful for but I'll name a few to start...

1. My family




Addison slept through Thanksgiving lunch but Grammy made up for it with a yummy popsicle. Grammy had Addison for 48 hours straight and we had to pry them away from eachother when it was time to leave Thursday night.



Jon took a second from playing "Are you smarter than a 5th grader" to smile for the camera. I think everyone took a shot at playing. Everyone else just watched kiddos and watched football.



2. Good Turkey and Good food

While Addison could care less about eating turkey...she sure likes to kiss one.



or maybe she just likes to kiss. She LOVES Jorn. He's Jorn baby to her. And he only likes to pull her hair. He's a lot smaller than her, but still much tougher! She does forgives him quickly. That's one thing about Addison, as Melissa says, she doesn't hold a grudge!!!



3. Good company and entertainment

Then we left Friday morning with Nana and Papa to Lafayette to see Mamaw. Addison was great with the drive. She watched Elmo the whole way there and loved the headphones once she realized Elmo talked to her through them. She's as relaxed as can be. We didn't hear a peep from her, until the show was over!



When we got there everyone was ready for lunch. Yummy Yummy seafood gumbo. We ate and chit chatted with Jon's family and then it was time to open Christmas presents. I guess this will be the preview of coming attractions. Addison wasn't quite sure why she had a gift, but she cooly and collectedly ripped into it.



With much determination she was able to open a brand new baby doll. It talks to her and feeds itself a bottle and Addison loves it. She also got a new stroller that is also a shopping card and a cool little gears toy that she's mastered. She's a very lucky little girl to have made out so well and it isn't even December yet.



Not the greatest of pictures, but I shot this at the end of one of our many meals. We ate some great food and had a lot of good conversation and laughter. Addison had a ball and wanted to go to Mamaw's house even when we had finally gotten home Sunday night.



Addison playing with her baby doll and watching something on Mamaw's tv. We were just about to leave but she wanted to make sure she got to play a little bit before sitting in the car seat for 4 hours towards home. Now that we are at home Addison passed out in the bed at 5:30 pm. She's had a very exciting few days but, even though she says she wants to go bye bye, I bet she's going to be glad to have a few weeks of normalcy.

4. My house and My Bed