Happy Thanksgiving

We have so much to be thankful for, which I am reminded of everyday when I look at my little girl...who by the way is growing up way too fast. This year we went up north to celebrate Thanksgiving with my family. I haven't been home for Thanksgiving since I was in high school, so it was very special. I especially enjoyed watching the football game with my fellow Packer fans, including my dad who actually took a break from hunting to join us. Maddy and I were all decked out in our game gear together.

Go Pack Go!

Little John V joined us in the green and gold
(Notice Maddy is holding up the #1)

We enjoyed a nice Thanksgiving dinner at half time. Yum, Yum...I just love eating turkey and mashed potatoes.

Kids Table

After the game, Jason and I took Maddy for a nice long walk. The turkey and cool breeze put her right to sleep. All in all, it was a nice, relaxing Thanksgiving and the game's outcome made the day that much more enjoyable!

Friday morning, my sister Aundrea woke me up a little after 7 am to go shopping. Maddy was still sleeping so I didn't exactly appreciate being woken up, but I got up anyway and we joined the crowds at Wal-mart and ShopKo on Black Friday. We got a few good deals but nothing really to write home about. While we were gone the kids played outside with Jason and Grandpa. My brother John came over with Jaelyn and Addisyn so we came home to a house full. The kids were having a blast. We went out for pizza at Dina Mia's like we always do and my brother Joe and his family joined us. It was a ton of fun!

Maddy falling asleep on John V

John reading the kids a book

Jaelyn, Izzy, and Maddy playing on the bunk beds

Laying still for a picture

We had a car full on the way to the restaurant. All the kids wanted to ride with Auntie Jaclynn and Uncle Jason to watch a movie.

Maddy, John V, Izzy, and Jaelyn

Maddy driving the car in the play room

We always have to eat in the play room because there are so many kids and they would never sit still. So its tradition for us just to get a few tables in the game room. The cousins run around and fight over the car game. We play music on the juke box and just enjoy each other's company. We used to play fuzball and the guys played "The Big Buck Hunter", but now that there are 9 kids it has become impossible. Oh well! It's a good time anyway.

Saturday morning we left to make the long 8 hour trip home. We wanted a day to relax before going back to work. Unfortunately Sunday wasn't. Jason had to get up a 6 am to get a ride from the Momonts back to Birch Run to get the car. He left the keys up north so we weren't able to pick it up the day before. (Sigh) After church, we ran around shopping and looking for a Christmas tree. I finished up the shopping while Jason and Maddy went home to nap. After naps, we went and picked up a tree. We didn't get pictures as it wasn't that exciting...we just went down to the K of C and paid $20 to pick one off the lot. Its a great tree though. I'll take some pictures soon and post them.

Maddy sleeping while shopping around for trees