Trees, Turkeys and the Flu

We never had a set plan for Thanksgiving growing up. Each year we ended up around a different table with different relatives. Sometimes we even met Auntie Bev or Julie and Keith at a restaurant that was half way between us.  Four years ago, Thanksgiving ended up at my place. And it stayed here! In fact, thanks to our new traditions, it is now my favorite holiday of the year.

We always start the day by meeting up at the Festival of Trees. It is quiet on Thanksgiving morning and it feels like we have all the magic to ourselves. We don't have to worry as the children run from tree to tree, because there is no one to bump into!

This year our holiday adventure was a quieter one though. The flu had hit my sister's home hard. Isabelle was the only one healthy enough to come. Our happy party of 10 was reduced to 6. So two kids instead of four held hands as they went in search of their very favorite trees.

They even posed so sweetly in front of one until I could get just the right photo. And I did!

They did a little shopping in the toy store.

And we all had sugar cookies and apple cider.

Back at my place, we had lunch and then came adventure number two!  We have always enjoyed some pretty crazy board games after the meal, but last year I added a family craft to the mix.  We all got a little creative around the kitchen table again this year.

I had purchased little cardboard turkeys. After decorating the birds with markers and stickers, we put something we were thankful for on each of it's feathers.

I'll admit Dad looked a little scared at first about having to do a craft (he got to sit that part out last year and watch football). But his was the very best one!  Here's a look at what he is thankful for this year:

Ruth, Jessica, Jason, Bereket, Isabelle, Julie, Keith, Daniel, Nils, Home, Health, Country, Trains, Church and Friends.  

Here's what Mom is thankful for:

Papa's car, Music, Animals, Jesus, Christmas, Easter, Papa, Jason's Job, Family, Autumn and Winter, and $1,000 in the bank.

Isabelle, our budding evangelist, had a very thoughtful list:

Life, Family, Love, Jesus on the Cross, God Making Us, The Bible, Work, Everything and Everyone.

And last, but not least, a look at Little B's list:

Christmas Tree, Pumpkin Bread, Princesses, Dee Dah, Mommy, AWANA, Ice Cream and Yogurt.

Looking at our lists, there are some things that surprised me.  Mom really doesn't love Papa's car. With her long legs, she wanted an SUV, not a sedan. But she appreciates reliable transportation.  Dad didn't put Black Angus Cattle on his list, even though that has been his life's work and he is one of the most respected cattlemen in the country.  Isabelle didn't put Violin or Piano on her list, even though she spends a few hours each day practicing and developing her incredible talent.  And as for Bereket, I guess I am most surprised that she put yogurt at the bottom of her list. Given her passion for yogurt, one would think it would be the very first feather!

I am so thankful for another day with these beautiful people.  It wasn't the same without Julie, Keith, Daniel and Nils. We sent leftovers and craft kits home with Isabelle so they could reflect on the blessings they've had this year, too.  We all have much to be thankful for.