After years of having Thanksgiving dinner at my Aunt Marilyn's, then Aunt Judy's, this year we moved generations and had dinner at my eldest cousins house. Chris and Vanessa hosted us and added a new creative twist to our day. They had sent us each a paper leaf to write down what we are thankful for. Then after going around the room to share those things, we added them to the glass centerpieces on the tables.



This was something everyone could participate in, including the little kids (with a little help from cousin Stephanie.) This is Goldie putting in her leaf.



The finished product was truly unique and creative.



We had a great day. The girls took it all in. Virginia likes to climb on chairs. This was taken before one chair took a tumble and so did Virginia.



Vanessa was trying to put food away and got Goldie to help. She stood there ever so patient as V put the turkey in the bag. But, then she really didn't want to give it to her to put in the refrigerator. Finally she took a hunk of turkey out of the bag and gave us the bag.



I don't have a great picture of Henry...but a story of course. He was in the basement playing with the big kids. We could hear lots of noise (a little rough-housing going on for sure!). It wasn't long before Henry came sobbing up the stairs. He came over to where I was sitting. (I didn't rush up because I knew this wasn't serious.) Everyone was asking him what happened. "Alex hurt me." Alex is 21. Just as I went to extend my arms and pick him up on my lap and say somthing like "I don't think Alex ment to hurt you." Between his sobs came "Can I go back down there?" We all roared and off he went still in tears. His father exclaimed he better stop crying and toughen up. If you're going to play with the big boys, you gotta be a big boy. 

Everyone slept good on the way home! 

Now we're on to Christmas. Let the decorating begin.