Giving Thanks

This Thanksgiving was anything but traditional for us.  Grandma and Grandpa Anthony decided last minute to join us, and it was so wonderful to have them here, even if it was for just a short time.  Grandma got here on Tuesday afternoon, and spent the next day entertaining kids so Johnny and I could go out on a hot date (more on that later). 

We got up bright and early Thanksgiving morning and headed off to the city around 6:00 a.m. so that we could claim the best spot on the sidewalk for the annual Thanksgiving Day Parade.  We got there while it was still dark outside and I dumped off John and Isaac to stake out the perfect viewing location. Grandma and I found a parking spot and layered the clothing on the little ones.  




Isaac trying to stay warm
while saving our prime viewing spot
for the parade

Then we took everyone to McDonald's for a nice warm breakfast, while we left John out in the cold (and it was really cold, like way below freezing cold) saving our prime spot.  Bless that man for indulging me in my crazy ideas.  When we finished with breakfast, John went to get hot chocolate for everyone.



Yummy watching the first giant balloon pass by



We saw plenty of these. . .

 

. . . and even more of these. 





The kids loved watching the parade workers try to maneuver the
giant balloons under the L tracks, and then again under a power line.
It was much funner than just watching them walk by.

We had such a wonderful time and were so glad that we went!  When it was over, we packed everyone back in the van and went to pick up Grandpa from the airport.  He had been helping Uncle Davey Davey and Aunt Brittany move half way across the country all week. 

I was enjoying the food too much to remember to take many pictures of our actual Thanksgiving dinner.  Kellogg puts on an annual Thanksgiving feast for their students, which was just as delicious as last year.  Even better when you don't have to buy, prepare or clean up.

I have so many things to give thanks for this year.  My devoted, faithful husband.  Five extremely silly, amazing children.  A wonderfully supportive family.  Caring friends.  Health.  A warm home filled with laughter and the Spirit.  Food on our table (thanks to Grandma and Grandpa).  And the knowledge that God is watching over us and will take care of us.  Happy Thanksgiving indeed.