Our Thanksgiving

(I know this is a little behind, but better late than never) We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. It was as close to being at home with family as we could get 9000 miles away. We invited 3 families over and everyone contributed to the meal, just like our family has always done. It was a beautiful day of fellowship for both children and adults alike. I hope you enjoy the pictures!

Here are our girls (including Julia and Brayden) practicing worship songs while I was getting ready Thanksgiving day. They had picked out a worship CD and put it in the DVD player and played several songs over and over that they were trying to learn all the words and make up hand motions to. They spent 30min to an hour working on this.

This picture is far from clear (my flash was not behaving properly this day), but I was just trying to show the buffet. Even with all this food, there was very little left over. One left over meal and we were done!

Each family also brought 1-2 desserts. No complaints here, what's thanksgiving without a desert buffet all on its own? (Notice the little hand going for the apple cake a little prematurely :) )

From L to R: Karla and Jonathan Kanyanga, Me, Stephanie and Steve Allen, Brad, Corban and Jordan (cousins visiting the Allens from Idaho), Cherry Lou, Abigail and Ben Andrews.

Kids tables. We always had these, though all us cousins pieced together the tables so we could all sit together. Who can choose? Besides, you might miss something. (I miss you guys!!!!) Here we have....Samantha, Elijah Andrews, and Rhoda and Julia Allen--oh, and horsey--front and center :). (I'd chance to say they are enjoying themselves)

Here are the older girls. I think I need to invest in some card tables for next year. What do you think? Kaitlyn, Kamryn and Brayden Allen. Not pictured: Johannah Allen and Olivia (napping). Did Steph and I plan that well or what? :) We actually both got to sit down at a meal and converse. Will wonders will never cease!

Brayden and Julia spent the night Thanksgiving night. The girls had a great time and can't seem to get enough of each other. They would have continued the sleep over several more days if allowed. Reminds me of myself and my best friend Christy growing up. I never understood the reason we couldn't just keep spending the night...no school....we'll find each other first thing the next day anyway and spend all day playing....Well as a mother,.......No--still not sure the reason--

Samantha and Julia

OK--maybe this is the reason. Mid-day--day after sleep over--friends still here. But it was only a cat nap. She was back up and running after a few minutes :)


Have a great week! I can't believe it's just a week till Christmas. The girls are counting down the days every day in math! Will hopefully post Olivia's birthday party soon. (Gotta find the camera cord--I know--I'm still hopeless)

Love you all!

Zookeeper