Thanksgiving 2012

Anna Claire had FOUR Thanksgivings this year! Talk about blessed.

Thanksgiving #1: Thanksgiving Feast at The Red Barn.
I was conflicted about whether or not to go because Anna Claire can be very clingy and fretful when we attend her school events, so much so that she ends up not having fun. We decided to talk to her about it and make our decision based on what she told us. She explained that she was worried we were going to leave and asked if we could please come and then take her home with use afterward. I normally go back to work, rather than taking a day or half-day off work, but this was really important to Anna Claire. So I took a half day. It worked out GREAT. She enjoyed herself, and was proud we came.

It was a full house! Most of the parents in the Ponies class came with only a couple exceptions. Anna Claire and about 4 others had BOTH parents there. I love the strong parent involvement that we have going on with this group. It's unique, and we all really like each other, and love one another's kids. A few of us volunteered and passed out food to everyone. It was all really delicious: the turkey cooked by Miss Sandra, yummy stuffing, green beans, potatoes, ham, mac-n-cheese, and several deserts. We brought pumpkin pie and whipped cream. Anna Claire said her favorite thing on her plate was a store bought brownie.

Thanksgiving # 2: Thanksgiving with Pop.
Larry wanted to make sure Pop got a good Thanksgiving dinner, so knowing we would be at my sister's on Thanksgiving day, we had ours with him on Wednesday.

Dinner was delicious. We had turkey breast, potatoes, gravy, and stuffing. I had ordered a spiral cut ham, cinnamon rolls, and rolls from our school cafeteria, so we enjoyed those too. The ham was awesome! We are still snacking on it, with several gallon bags of it still to be consumed in the freezer.

Thanksgiving #3: My Family Thanksgiving at Aunt Kathy's
I was so excited when my sister Kathy invited us to bring my mom to Thanksgiving dinner. It is one of the few times of year we all come together, and it feels great to be included. Anna Claire was disappointed (as was I) that Jenny and her girls were not there. She was really looking forward to playing with them. Kathy's new puppy, Shelby, helped make up for it. She is a precious German Shepherd pup.

The men had quite a challenge getting Momma and her wheelchair in and out of the house, as Kathy has steps at every entrance to her house. They accidentally dropped her (in the wheelchair) as they were carrying her out to go back home. Gave us all quite a scare but everyone is fine.

Thanksgiving #4: Larry's Family Thanksgiving at Hananoki.
Before we headed out to the restaurant, we all visited for awhile at Mom and Freddie's. We had fun playing with magnet toys and watching Anna Claire color with scented markers.
Hananoki is a fun place we go to with Larry's family. We love the show, the fire, and the food. I love watching Anna Claire's reaction to the show, and our chef's interaction with Khloie and Marie. He loves to pick on them and it's really funny.

Thanksgiving Feast at The Red Barn with Mommy and Daddy (I'm on the other side of the lens, as usual.) :)

Meme was happy to get out on a beautiful day and spend time with this little girl.

All of Aunt Kathy's food was just so, so good. Best mac-n-cheese ever.

She's showing Clint the blue marker on her hands.

Aunt Lisa loves Anna Claire, and vice versa. I think Lisa needs a little girl!

Marie and Khloie! These two are a hoot.

Volcano!

Anna Claire watching the show at Hananoki.

Thanksgiving feels bittersweet to both Larry and me, I think, with our families looking very different than they did just six years ago Grown up kids are still kids and we miss the traditions that we know will never be experienced again, but we are so thankful for Anna Claire and the exciting new traditions we are creating with her. Watching things through your child's eyes helps take the focus off yourself, and allows you to share the joy with them of the holiday, and the meaning of the day.