Giving Thanks

Parker's class had a fun feast for families at the Chipp-u-wuh preschool in anticipation of Turkey Day.

Parker getting some help adjusting her "paper bag".  She didn't seem to love how it crinkled when she sat.  That's my girl!

Parker is far right, holding her Tom-Tom

They also went and sang to some folks in a retirement village as a class.  That was a really neat experience for Parker and for us.  She was so friendly with the people there.  While most of the other kids were hanging onto their parent's legs, Parker was out in the middle of the room dancing and talking to the people.  There was one lady in particular that she chatted up beforehand, and by the end of the program they were up singing and dancing together!  We both saw a sweet side to Parker's personality, and both of us felt impressed that this is a gift that she has to share with others.  She seemed to really touch the people she came in contact with that day. It did my heart good.  She may not be able to sit still and pay attention in class, but she really shines in other ways.

A dog statue at the retirement village looked a little too real for my liking.

Parker is right in the middle of the group.

For Turkey Day, we traveled over the river and through the woods to Jeff and Amy's house in Commerce.  It was so fun to be with family and friends for the holiday!

Can you spy Chef Jeff over there carving turkey per request?  He had a smoked bird, and a brined bird. Both were delicious!  I loved it!!

Parker was seated at the kid's table.

This was the adult's table...Mario got a head start on everyone!

The teenager table!  This made me giggle...none of them wanted to look up for the pic.

The PIES!!

After dinner, we went back to Mom and Dad's house for the night.  The next day, Mark and I dropped the girls off with the Griswold's so that we could take an early anniversary trip to Grand Rapids.  We haven't left the girls overnight in over 12 years, so we haven't left Parker ever.  It was long over due, and something we were glad we took the time to plan.  I will post more on that later.

Overall, we have much to be grateful this year.  We love our new house, we are making lots of friends in our new ward, Mark is done with the PhD and loving his job, the girls are healthy and growing, and I am enjoying staying home with them free of distractions.  It's definitely been a good year.

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving too!