As I've gotten older, Thanksgiving has become my favorite holiday of the year because it is the one holiday that we get to spend time with all of our family on both sides. I'm so blessed to have two families that I adore! And if I'm double lucky, I get to see my bestie Melis and her 3 boys!
The day before Thanksgiving is spent baking! 1 large bunch of cinnamon rolls, 2 apple pies, 2 coconut pies, one coconut cake, brownies and magic cookie bars! Whew.... it took me the whole day to finish up these goodies and keep tabs on my crazy 3 monkeys! Who by the way, were on the side of the mountain making a fire to occupy themselves and to keep them out of my kitchen! The following day was spent in Arkadelphia hanging out with Melissa Pitts and her 3 boys! We had so much fun! The boys ran wild through the woods, tried to track deer, and swam in CiCi and Pops hot tub in their undies! The funny thing is that their mommies used to do that too (swim in their undies in a hot tub) when they were about Zac and Kyler's age too (but shhhhhhh don't tell)! Pictures were taken by Melis, so I will have to see if I can't get a hold of those and come back and add them! I'm sure their are some pics of their mommies in a hot tub tucked away in some album! Once Jen, Matt & Molly arrived, they came over to CiCi and Pops house to run wild in the woods and join in on the fun! Love any time I get to spend with my sister Jen and with my "sister by another mister" Melis! LOL!
Thanksgiving day is always spent at Nana and Papa Doc's house. This is the one time each year that I get to spend time with all of my aunts, uncles and cousins and all of my neices and nephews! It is so much fun to watch the cousins together and to just be together and eat lots of yummy food! My precious grandparents were there and they both continue to amaze me, no mater what age they are or in what state their health is in! I'm so grateful to my mom and dad for hosting this crazy crew, it hasn't been until recent years that I fully comprehend what a labor of love it is! Thanks Nana and Papa Doc!
Thursday night we drove to T-town just to get a little driving time out of our way, and then we got up the next morning and drove to see the Oosterhous Crew at Julie and Jim's house! We spent the rest of the weekend here and enjoyed our time with grandma and grandpa O., Julie & Jim and kiddos, and George & Kelly and kiddos! Lots of yummy food and visiting! In addition to football, we enjoyed some short hikes around the area and of course... lots of ping pong!!!! I'm so thankful that we get to spend this time each year with the Oosterhous/Chadwell crew; it is another chance for making more memories.... and did I mention, EATING GOOD FOOD! Unfortunately, I was so busy doing all of the above, that I didn't get many pictures, but I did manage to snap a few!
In the words of Nate when he was about 2 1/2 ..... "HAPPY GIVE'INS"!
