Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Day of Gluttony...also known as, Thanksgiving! All joking aside, I am truly grateful for this holiday. This year, I put up a little branch from one of our peach trees, and each day, we would have the opportunity to place a "thankful leaf" on the branches. Each day, I was able to take a moment to reflect on all the things, big or small, that I am thankful for. Some were silly...others more heartfelt; yet, all of them were meaningful to the person who wrote it. I enjoy having Thanksgiving right before Christmas. For me, it sets the tone on which to end the year and celebrate the birth of our Savior.

This year, we were blessed to have so many family members join our little family for our Thanksgiving traditions. Last year, we decided to start some of our own traditions. Since Laurin is engaged and Amber is married, we felt the need to begin our own Jeff and Alisha Southwick family traditions. We know our little family is evolving to the point that we will need to share our kids with in-laws and allow them to make their own traditions. Still, we want to have diverse activities at different times so perhaps they can always join in on some aspect of the holiday. And...just like this year, some immediate and extended family stayed for all of our activities and some joined us for just a few, but we all had fun. Stan, Kristi and their little family drove down on Wednesday afternoon to join us! Casey even came to participate in Wednesday night and Thursday morning's activities. I told him he deserved a medal of honor for bravery to come down without Laurin (she's in Europe). That evening, we went ice skating (just like last year). I think this is a favorite activity for everyone (even though I don't skate). The older kids caused trouble by playing tag and throwing ice shavings at each other. Oh boy! Jonas was initially discouraged that he couldn't simply get on the ice and skate fast, but he didn't give up and by the end he could skate a little on his own.

The following morning we started with an early breakfast at Cracker Barrel. We did this last year as well. I enjoy not needing to fix two large meals and everyone gets to enjoy whatever they choose for breakfast. 

Following breakfast, we raced home to talk to Dallin. It's been different having a missionary out now with all the communication changes. When Laurin and Amber (and Jeff and I served), we only received phone calls on Mother's Day and Christmas. Now we get to talk to Dallin every week and he gets to call on special holidays and birthdays! It was fun to chat with him. Following the call, we went to see the movie, Frozen 2. I thought the movie was super cute...and it seems most everyone else enjoyed it as well. 

After the movie, Casey, Amber, and Jacob went their separate way and we ran home to finish our last-minute Thanksgiving meal prep. For our Thanksgiving feast, Gma Thompson, Gma Penny, Grumpy, Katie, Greg, Aunt Tracy, and Scott joined us. We had 3 banquet tables full of yummy food but only 17 people to eat it! Needless to say, we had plenty left over! I enjoyed hanging out with the family, enjoying yummy food, and great conversations.

Finally, that evening, we loaded into the dump trailer and went to see the Festival of Lights in Spanish Fork. This time, Krystle, Jordan and their boys joined us. It was cold and a little snowy but fun! I loved watching Nolan and Jonas experience the lights. I love the magic that little kids experience this time of the year (and let's be honest...me too!). 

Afterward, we went back to our house for a hot cocoa bar.

It was a busy day. There was plenty to do. for everyone. We were so grateful to be able to see everyone at some point (even Brad came over on Friday morning to join us for a couple hours). We are truly blessed to surrounded by family. I couldn't ask for a better family of origin or by marriage. I am grateful to have a home big enough to welcome everyone into it. I am grateful to have traditions that entice everyone to come home for part of the holidays. I am grateful for the holiday season and look forward to more time with family and friends!

Southwick siblings...minus Julie (and Greg).