The Return of Thanksgiv

Our very dear friends for the past 13 years joined us this year in celebrating Thanksgiv. This is the first time since 2005 that we've gotten the chance to celebrate together again. It was everything good, wonderful, happy, and fun! Laughter filled the house for days on end.

Gavin came home from North Dakota and John and Karen drove up from Parker to complete the largest Thanksgiving dinner we've ever hosted...15 people in all! The best part was, there was no stress, no worries, no running around like a chicken with my head cut off. Everything just sort of flowed, fell into place and turned out beautifully - not perfect, but wonderful none-the-less. We weren't aiming for perfection so there was nothing to be nervous about. Everyone had a job to do and everyone contributed something beautiful to benefit the whole. It was such a lovely snapshot of the larger picture of life.

We had the kids' table

And the big people table. Gavin even ended up laughing so hard at something Bennett said that he shot up out of his chair in the middle of the feast to puke in the sink right behind him because he was laughing so hard. See...not even close to perfect. Also, notice how the tablecloth is 2 inches too short. 

We took crazy family photos,

which happen to be more real-life than the posed ones.

We played the annual football game (in which we lost and had a concussed person as a quarterback).

This team was literally stacked against us. Everyone was tall, healthy and fast. 

The girls carried on the tradition by making the Thanksgiv cake for all to enjoy.

Wes and Logan became the best of friends for the day.

The arrival of the bird by two of the best bird watchers.

As the week progressed, we enjoyed ice skating outdoors at night.

Lucy even asked Chuck, "Is this the best day of your life? I've never seen you so happy before." 

Gavin and boys bonded over Minecraft.

Chuck and Wes playing cards. We played soooo many games together this weekend. 

It's awesome to have friends who love to play as much as we do.

We had a cheese ball eating contest.

We all tried to see how many we could fit in our mouths without gagging.

I only fit 5. The same as Wes. Chuck and John tied with 15!

Penny and Ninja got LOTS of playtime in. It was adorable to watch this puppy with this old lady.

And it wouldn't be a proper visit if we didn't have a night of nertz. Apparently the guys were so stressed by loosing that they both needed massages from their daughters to ease the tension.

Katie introduced us to Around The World Ping Pong. So. Much. Fun. We kept playing and playing and playing. It didn't get old. 

So the moral to the story is...when you find best friends who are willing to celebrate Thanksgiv with you, you hold on for life. You call and invite yourself over as many times and as often as possible over the years. Even when they move to different states and different houses. You don't just tell them they're important and special, you show them. 

Sisters

Growing up, I always wished for a sister. Chloe did too. It has been such a joy watching her friendship blossom and grow with Brooke...her new sister. A neighbor had asked us if Chloe met the new girl in the neighborhood yet; of which, she hadn't. She had just been lamenting how there was no one her age in our neighborhood like there had been in Minnesota. And then Providence bestowed Brooke upon us. The timing was perfect.

These two spend every waking moment together on the weekends. They go to the same school. Are in the same grade. Have 2 classes together. And ride the bus home together. 

Brooke just moved here from Tennessee. She speaks with the cutest little southern drawl. She has the funniest sayings such as, "Sweet Baby Jesus!" when she's nervous, scared, or worried. She is a cartoon. She makes us laugh hysterically. She immediately started calling herself "Bennett's sister." We're still not sure why.

She is always like this - bubbly, smiley, happy.

And Chloe is thankful she can be herself around her. They bring out the best in each other.

They actually go out like this and don't even care.

They both LOVE makeup and adorning themselves.

Having a friend to still go trick-or-treating with is the best.

They spend ooodles of time riding around the neighborhood, exploring, while riding their bikes....

...dressed as a lion and penguin who also wear ski goggles for some reason. Sometimes the mode of transportation changes to scooters.

Having a sister to do all the goofy, fun, unimportant, mundane, exciting, scary, new things with is THE BEST! Brooke has made herself completely at home; from not taking any scruff from Chloe and telling her like it is, to plopping down on our bed at 10pm to say goodnight, to calling Chloe - Chlo, (the name of endearment from only her family), to playing games with us and not being scared by our loudness and competitiveness. She eats with us, plays with us, cooks with us, sits and talks with us....she's one of us. And I couldn't be happier with our new addition.  

The Greek Freak and Bennett

After watching this interview on Giannis Antetokounmpo, we knew we had to see him live, in action.

What better way than give the Greek Freak to Bennett for his birthday?! So last night the three of us braved a snowstorm to go watch the evenly matched Denver Nuggets play the Milwaukee Bucks.

We could only afford nose-bleed seats, but the view was still great.

Our party of three. 

Giannis in action! The bested the Nuggets 121 to 114.

Can I just say how awesome this kid is?! I absolutely love spending time with him! He has the kindest heart, a crazy hard work-out ethic, he's driven, he's sensitive, he has gone through some pretty hard times and come out the other side a better person and as if that wasn't enough - he is HILARIOUS! He does the best impersonation of me. He knows every Michael Scott quote there is and uses them at the perfect moment. He starts every morning out with a hug for me and never lets the day end without a good-night hug. I'm so proud to be his mom!