Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving this year was so different.  One of the main reasons is that my sister moved out to California about 6 months ago and we didn't think we were going to be able to see her over the Holiday weekend.  That is a lot of traveling for just a day or so.  Well, through a series of unexpected (good) circumstances Jess was able to fly home to celebrate Thanksgiving with us!  Her flight got in at 5:45am Thanksgiving morning.  Mom, Dad, Steve, Hudson, and I met Jess at the airport with a big welcome home sign.  :)  I think it embarrassed her a little, but I think it also made her feel special because she was the only one there with a group of people waiting for her!  haha

We usually stay in Lexington for Thanksgiving then drive to my parents house that night, but because Jess was in town we went home for the actual day.  AND WE STAYED THERE!  We didn't make the trip up to Fort Wayne Indiana either because Jess was just in town for 24 hours and we didn't want to be in the car all day.  It was a wonderful day.  When we got home from the airport Jess, Hudson, and Steve all went back to sleep for a few hours.  Mom, Dad, and I started cooking!  hehe  Dad made his yummy homemade cinnamon rolls, I made the dinner rolls for later that day, and mom made the casseroles.  THE HOUSE SMELLED SOOOOO GOOD!  

Did I mention how nice and relaxing the day was?!?!  We got to actually watch the parade and listen to Christmas music and really enjoy each others company!  Jessica's friend who was moving out to California and going to be her new roommate, got to our house around noon and celebrated with us.  We cooked, ate, played games, watched Christmas movies....  It was a great day!  

Sadly, Jess and her friend had to leave bright and early Friday morning because they were driving, YES DRIVING back to California and had to be back by monday.  Ahhhhhhhh  So we only got to spend 24 hours with Jess, but It was such a wonderful surprise that she was even able to come home at all.  

After Jess and her friend left, mom and I took off to go shopping.  We were able to find some pretty good deals and the lines weren't that long.  It was nice getting out just the two of us.  After a few hours we met my moms friend for lunch.  When we got home Steve and my dad were itching to run out and get some "man toys".  hehe  They came home with a train set and a remote controlled helicopter.  Needless to say the rest of the night was spent putting together and playing with the new "toys".  Hudson was in heaven.  He loved playing with the train controls and watching Grandpa and Steve fly the helicopter all over the basement.  

Saturday morning we got up and headed home to drop Sadie off before driving to Steve's parent's house.  Steve's brother's family was in town and we wanted to get to see them.  We had a nice visit and ended up taking the kids to Southern Lights.  It is an outdoor drive through light display at the horse park.  The kids (Hudson and his cousins) really seemed to enjoy it.  After the lights we checked out the train display (Hud was so happy), Santa's reindeer, the petting zoo, and John and Laura rode a camel. haha  We had never been before, and had a great time.  The best part though is seeing things through kids eyes.  The excitement and newness of everything made it so much more enjoyable for us.  

We made it back home around midnight and passed out after such a fun whirlwind of a Holiday!  :)  

These were actually taken at my parents house, but they were too cute not to post!  Look at that sweet little boy in his Santa PJ's cuddling with Charlie and Sophie!

There is so much to be thankful for.