Giving Thanks...

We have hosted Thanksgiving at our house the past few years, but this year the thought of it was just too much.  I was barely getting through a normal day, so certainly not a holiday.  My mom is always willing, so she was the great host this year.

I did bring a couple of items that have gone over well in the past, and had some helpers, including cranberry sauce (which Zoe refers to as jelly). 

It's a great recipe and does not have any sugar, just dates to sweeten it a bit.  The girls LOVE it and asked for a bowlful when it was done.

Beach insisted on a special drink for us!

Zoe helped me with the thankful rolls (where we hid what everyone was thankful for inside).  She does love to help and be involved.  This is great and a sign of hope that she will be a better cook than her momma.

And yes, my girls are often in their dress up clothes, complete with hooded towel (their hair).

Our evening was documented by Aaron's great camera (he took all the great pictures).

Amazing meal with some holiday special treats.

Some of the thanks that were revealed in the rolls this year.  The kids got in adding their thanks this year too.

One of the best things about the holidays is that Lauren is around!

We helped in putting up some of the Christmas decorations at my parent's house.

Including a special wooden manger scene that was my Grammies.

The babes were (mostly) happy!

And the tree got a little love...

until my little love broke a glass ornament.

We attempted some family pictures.

With some funny shots of the grand kids.

And grown ups!

Shiloh has the best grumpy face (middle child picture rebellion) while poppy got confused in making the kids laugh.

But one picture turned out well!

I think my parents got the only great shot!

Beach managed to take a nap amongst all the crazy noise....we surrounded him to take our family picture.  But I ended up waking him for our couples pose though!

Here is to so many things to be thankful for!