We went home for Thanksgiving and spent our holiday in Iowa with my extended family. It was great to see everyone again and the weather was absolutely beautiful! The day before Thanksgiving, we had to grab groceries for the big day. Lily, Madilyn, and Lexie were thankful for Starbucks.
My family has a tradition of baking on Wednesday night before Thanksgiving day. We gathered at my cousin Minniette's house and spent the evening just hanging out.
The big hit of the evening was Wii Karoeke. The kids turned the game into their own version of American Idol.
Jack and Noah enjoyed being the judges when the girls were singing.
After months of studying for his Tax Advocacy exam, Marty finally had some time to just relax. I have missed that smile.
It was so much fun relaxing with my two favorite women...Minniette and Mom.
Our family has a small "civil war" going on between ISU and University of Iowa fans. My kids and my neices and nephew love to kidnap Minniette's Hawkeye garden gnome and hold him for ransom. This year they demanded that Minniette post 10 things she likes about Iowa State on Facebook. Here is their "proof of life photo" that they sent to her with their ransom demands.
Uncle Dennis' new friend, Jonnie Rae, made the girls these adorable aprons for baking night. They all became fast friends. From the smiles on their faces, I think Jonnie Rae fits right in with us.
On Thanksgiving Day, we went back to Minniette's and spent the day eating and visiting. Minniette and Lily looked "fancy" as they sported matching hair do's. Minniette has mastered the art of the topknot and Lily could not be more pleased.
Marty carved the turkey.
Worth every calorie...Yum!!
Jack was excited to sample my chocolate cream pie. Mom helped me make it from scratch.
Six of the best kids I know and some of the reasons I am most thankful...Jack, Madilyn, Lexie, Sofie, Lily, and Noah.
We love going shopping on Black Friday, but we do it our own way. Rather than fighting the crowds at the malls and department stores, we went to small business in Pella, Iowa. It was a fantastic day full of smiles.
Mission Pillow Puff! You can't visit Pella without buying some delicious Dutch pastry.
Friday evening, Jack sat down with Noah and started teaching him to play the guitar. It was even more cool because it was a year ago that Minniette did the same thing for Jack. It was super fun listening to them play together.
Watch out John Mayer! There's a new game in town. What a great trip!
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