Thanksgiving Weekend

Life has been busy for us as I'm sure it has for many around this time of year. Tonight I found myself already longing for summer break and lazier days. Sometimes it seems all I'm doing is unpacking what's been done one day only to turn around and pack lunches, back packs, pumps, diaper bags  etc for the upcoming day.
But this post is about Thanksgiving weekend, and to complain about little things like that seems petty and ungrateful, and boy do we have a lot to be thankful for. Just now as my fingers are clicking away Tommy is rushing around straightening up. My sweet girls are all tucked in tight to bed, and I'm able to log these memories with the click of a few buttons so that my girls will have an idea of what life was like once upon a time.
Our Thanksgiving this year was just a nice relaxing weekend with good friends. We decided to lay low this year and not do anything too grandiose. Our friends the Johnsons were our guests for Thanksgiving. Not only are they awesome and our kids get along well, but they know how to cook up a good meal too so our meal was simple but delicious.  The Johnsons suggested I brine the turkey which produced the best turkey I've ever made and it's a tradition I'll continue from here on out.
Here are some of the other things we did on Thanksgiving day.

 Jess helped me make the place settings. I found this idea and thought it was perfect for the girls to help me with. Jess traced and wrote all the names and Tegan decorated a few of them and then we stuffed them with old paper and bags.

Not the prettiest things, but they were fun to make and served their purpose and some...

The kids thought they were there to beat one another with.

The Johnsons

I printed these turkeys off and hid them all around the house. Every time the kids found one they brought it to me and got a quarter. It kept them busy for a good five minutes.

Every time we get together with the Johnsons Tom thinks it's funny to wear his Newport marathon shirt with the medal. I roll my eyes at him, but actually think it's pretty hilarious.


Kristin and I woke up early the next morning for a little bit of black Friday shopping and then we took it easy the rest of the day. We finished up our weekend by heading down south to Eugene to watch the civil war game with the Fullers, again always a good time with good food and friends.
I have much to be thankful for, so much that when I start a post by complaining about packing a lunch I end it feeling ashamed of myself! I love all the blessings we have been given. I love my life and my family and knowing of a Savior who has made this all possible.

Now on to Christmas....but not before I post a few more pics that make me smile.

I love seeing little random things like this around the house.

Meet super Lainey. This girl would put Jillian Michaels to shame with her core workout.

Yes we feed our kids Top Ramen sometimes, but not without a little guilt.  Looking this cute while they eat it, how can I resist??