I do have to start by saying how grateful I am for my husband, my kids, and the family I was raised in. I am also grateful for the marvelous friends we have met across the country. I am thankful for my husband's jobs and the promise he gives me that things will be OK. I am truly grateful for the opportunity I've had to host Thanksgiving in my home to my family for the last 6 years! What a blessing to have a home that people will come to. I also love cooking and love eating, so it makes sense when I say "Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday." I love that it celebrates our humble and indebted position in this world for all that we have been given by a loving Heavenly Father. Plus it doesn't come with the stress of shopping and glitz. This year my sister's family, Mandi, Ryan, and their 2 boys (Chris and Max) came from St. Louis. Tuesday night, she got to sneak away with me and a few friends to see the anticipated film, New Moon. I do have to state that I have been on Team Jacob from the beginning. :)
This is Emma helping me prepare for the week. :)
I found the cutest idea on family fun and had to try it out. We needed an activity to keep the kids busy and this filled a few minutes. Aren't they adorable with turkey leg hats?
Mandi was so good to capture a shot of the beautiful table as I was trying to get everything ready. Can I just say homemade rolls taste better at the holidays than any other time of the year? I thought it was so cute when nearly every one of my kids asked what they were supposed to eat on the chargers. Having a plate for a decoration was a weird concept for them. :)
Isn't this how all of us feel after dinner? Carter's turkey tiredness hit him even before the meal was over. Knocked him out cold for 45 minutes! Unbelievable! I think the little cousin sleeping next to him had been waking him up earlier than normal. :)
The next round of pictures were taken on Saturday at Lincoln Park Zoo in downtown Chicago. It was a GORGEOUS day with sunshine and warm temperatures (for Chicago). We had some great close-up experiences with the animals. Here are Carter and Chris, who were inseparable. Chris loved being buddies with big Carter, and Carter loved the attention and being revered. They were too cute!
Max is so cute! He's so fun to squeeze--when he lets you!
Evan loves to try to defy anything, but gravity was the law of choice today.
Chris
Mandi and her boys. Darling!
This is the black bear exhibit. The family in front of us said he was no where to be seen, but I found him sleeping up next the glass! We were SO CLOSE! It was amazing! Only a plane of the plexiglass separated us.
Max and his daddy! 
Calling for wolves. Again, Evan's feet are not touching the floor. Not an uncommon occurrence. We just got our bathroom wall patched from him "tarzan-ing" off the towel rack and pulling it out of the wall. 
The kids!
Carter and Chris--best buddies.
I love how Chris is watching Carter run. He watched and soaked up everything he could from Carter. Even songs like "We will, we will ROCK YOU!" I think that one shocked Mandi. :)
I love the apes at this zoo and have seen some amazing things. This gorilla struck the thinker pose just for me. He was awesome!
This sweet mama stopped to rest and comfort her child by nursing her. Fascinating to observe!
I love the apes at this zoo and have seen some amazing things. This gorilla struck the thinker pose just for me. He was awesome!
This sweet mama stopped to rest and comfort her child by nursing her. Fascinating to observe!
