Giving Thanks

We have never had more to be thankful for than we do this year. While we try to live each day with gratitude, it is always special to take the time to celebrate our blessings and we had a really nice Thanksgiving this year.

The past couple of years I have built the tradition of running the Turkey Day 5K as a healthy and energizing start to the yummy holiday. My typical running partner, Annie, is out of commission this year with Baby Boy O'Connor preparing to make his debut in January (another of the things we are thankful for!) so I convinced Jake to run with me. We weren't thrilled when we woke up to the coldest Thanksgiving day in many many years, but once we got running it wasn't so bad and it was fun to do together.

Note the frost on our hair, scarves, eyelashes, etc...

When we got home, Dax and Ads were excited to watch some of the parade. And I was thrilled to have some snuggle time with my two favorite cuties. We also asked Dax what he was thankful for and he responded, "My baby sister." Then before his nap he prayed, "Dear God, Thank you for all the animals. And thank you for the yummy food we are going to have at Grandma Mary's and Grandpa Mick's house. And we are going to eat it all up! Amen." Melt my heart.

In the afternoon, we ventured out in the cold again to the Schulz Thanksgiving. The food was delicious and the evening with family was delightful.

The festivities continued Friday with early morning shopping. Then we went over to Gma Amy's to help her set up her annual Christmas village. Dax LOVES the village and was happy to help place the people.

Twins in our vests

On Saturday we relaxed in the morning and then headed over to the Olson's for our cookie decorating tradition. Dax lasted a bit longer than last year, but preferred playing with Grandpa Phil to frosting cookies. He did, however, enjoy licking his spreaders after every dip and taste-testing the cookies!

Matching Christmas socks!

Playing with Auntie Shannon

 

You're going to frost how many cookies?!

We ended the weekend with a more normal day for me and the kids, but Jake spent most of Sunday re-doing the downstairs bathroom shower with Mick. It's still in progress, but they got a lot done and it will be nice to have it finished.

It was a busy weekend filled with so many people that we love.We are truly thankful.