Our Turkey Overfloweth

This Thanksgiving was a bit different for us.  For only the second time EVER, we haven't gotten all the Maddings, or at least most, together for Thanksgiving.  We're hoping to make up for it sometime in the spring.  It was disappointing, but a bit of a relief.  We're still struggling a bit transitioning to Buckingham Party of SIX.  We had a nice, relaxing Thanksgiving at home.  Mom, Amy, Bella, and Marco came over, and it was fabulous.

 Bella is quite good at her role of big cousin. 

 While Buck was frying the turkey, the kids wanted to jump in a big leaf pile.  We had a medium sized one, and somehow Buck convinced them to rake leaves for a LONG time to make the pile bigger.  It was lots of fun...despite Ellie's face (I think she had just lost her shoe).

 Shorts and a t-shirt?  No, we're not that bad of parents.  We've had unseasonably warm weather.

 Through the month of November, we made a sort of Advent Turkey.  Each day we rotated who got to add a feather stating something they were thankful for.  John and Eve even wrote their own.  The kids LOVED it, and so did I.  We eventually got to things like Legos and Princesses, but it did my heart good to have them spend the first few weeks listing family, sisters, etc.  We have so much to be thankful for.  The turkey hardly scratches the surface, but as you can see, our turkey overfloweth!  I think we've found a new tradition.

 I wasn't sure what to make for dessert.  Aunt Patty always makes pecan pie.  I'm sure she tried to mail us one, but it never arrived.  SO, I ended up giving the kids a choice by secret ballot.  I asked them each individually if they wanted Pecan Pie, Pumpkin Pie, or Pumpkin Pound Cake.  Somehow they each, without hesitation, said Pumpkin Pie.  I'm pretty sure none of them have ever had any of the three choices.  SO, we all worked together and made 2 pumpkin pies.  Eve wanted a Princess Pumpkin Pie, so we made it happen.

 Amy brought their dog Gracie.  Gracie really liked Jake.  I'm not so sure the feelings were mutual.

Just before Thanksgiving Eve had a program at school.  I couldn't help but include this cute picture.
Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday, mostly because of the time spent with family...and all of the good food, too.  We have so so much to be thankful for, and it was a blessing to spend the month reflecting on that.  God is so good.