The DAY of giving Thanks

COUSINS!!! 

There was so much for the kids to be playing with and they made the most of all of it. It's so great that Henry has many of the toys that were his dad's when he was little. Henry's love of legos has added to the collection and Wyatt was in Lego heaven. Garrett and Danika were constantly serving us tea and goodies from the play kitchen. Genevieve was all about building. Anabelle just went along with whatever the others were doing or went off on her own.

 Breakfast was over and dinner prep was started

 Harlan was taking notes or making notes or something like that. He's a planner.

All of the womenfolk donned their aprons to get started. 

Garrett put on his version and was a builder guy.

 Danika was a super helper in the kitchen. She peeled all but two of the potatoes. Cherise made an amazing fresh cranberry sauce with oranges and zest.

I went outside while everything was cooking and took some pictures of the frosty trees.

 Dinner is served!

"We gather together to ask the Lord's blessing."

 Our attempts to get photos of us with the six grandkids didn't turn out the best so here is a picture of us with the granddaughters that were there. We must prepare those grandsons for next spring when we hope to have all ten grandchildren together for a photo session. 

There will be cameras and pictures taken. They don't call me mommarazzi for nothing!

Thankful for helping hands from the guys

Cherise and I were dismissed from the kitchen while the guys did clean up.

Delectable dessert

 In addition to the pumpkin pies that were brought out to enjoy, Cherise made this apple cranberry pie too.  We had six very thankful children devouring their choice of desserts.

Anabelle would have been happy with a bowl of whipped cream. It was her favorite :0)

 We would have loved for all 23 of us to be together for the holiday. But I've got to remind myself that we're in a season of life where things don't always work out the way we want.

Harlan and I are so thankful for each of our independent kids and those last two that have yet to fly the coop. There are many more gatherings to look forward to in the years ahead.