Grandma and Grandpa visit for Thanksgiving

We love to have Grandma and Grandpa visit! We don't get to see them as often as we would like. This visit was especially nice because we got to celebrate Thanksgiving with them.

They always come baring gifts for the boys. The boys, of course, look forward to it and love it (almost as much as Grandma and Grandpa love to give them!). Grandma is an awesome bargin hunter and she loves to garage sale. Before she came to visit she found a great deal at a garage sale on vintage model cars. She knew the boys would love them! She was not disappointed, the boys did love them. It was fun to watch the boys and the grandparents as the cars were unveiled! Each boy got to pick their own car. Oddly enough they all wanted a different car. There was no fighting or haggling. Score!!

Another gift they gave was a special gift for Trevor. Trevor's eighth birthday is a couple of days after Thanksgiving and he is going to be baptized. Unfortunately, Grandma and Grandpa aren't going to be come. They gave Trevor a special statue that exemplifies who Trevor is (this is a tradition). The statue says "purposefulness". It is a good representation of Trevor. He is always very helpful and giving and he usually is because he sees a need and he wants to fill it! What a great kid!!

They also always bring Sees candy!

The boys were still in school when Grandma and Grandpa arrived. This allowed Chad, Austin and me time to take them to some of their favorite places. They always want to visit the antique shops. This year we went to the mall to find a special Cardinal's hat for Grandpa. We walked in at the food court, where the big carousel sits. Grandpa couldn't resist - he had to take Austin for a ride. Austin was in heaven!

Grandpa has to go to Steak and Shake at least once! We all enjoy going with him and most of us enjoy the food!

The last day of school before the holiday Devon's class had a Thanksgiving feast. I was able to go to school to help and have lunch with Devon. It was a lot of fun. There was plenty of food for kids and parents alike. Devon has had a hard time with me coming in to help in his classroom (he cries when I leave), so I was a little worried about coming. I was pleasantly surprised that this time he did not cry! We had a nice lunch and then he gave me a hug and kiss and went to recess. Success!

Devon and his best friend

We had a nice relaxing Thanksgiving. Everyone helped with the food preparations.

We were glad to have Grandma and Grandpa's help, especially with the apple pie. Chad's favorite pie is his mom's apple pie, so it was fun to have her make it this year. It was delicious. We also had pecan and pumpkin pie - YUMMY!!

Chad was in charge of the turkey and stuffing again this year. He does such a great job that I am more than happy to let him have it all to himself!

Everything was so delicious! We had such an enjoyable time eating and talking through the feast. In fact, we stayed at the table long after the meal was finished. I love it when everyone hangs out at the table. As I think back over the years, some of our happiest moments have come when we sitting at the dining room table laughing and talking together. So much to be thankful for!

Grandma and Grandpa had to leave shortly after Thanksgiving. They were able to accompany us on our traditional christmas tree hunt. The past couple of years we have gone to Home Depot to get our tree (since they are a good deal and we get three of them). This year we got two of our trees there and the other larger tree we got from Lowes. It always takes us a little while to decide on a tree, but when we do the boys are right there to help us take it to the car. All the boys pitched in this year! As always, many people stopped to watch our cute boys working together!

It was a quick trip, but we are so glad Grandma and Grandpa were able to come. Having only seen my grandparents every so many years growing up, I am so thankful that my boys get to see their grandparents at least once a year!