Monday, December 2, 2013

Thanksgiving 2013

We are thankful for so many things this year!  We were able to spend Thanksgiving week with family and friends.  We started our trip in Columbia with Granddad and Mammy, a trip to Mississippi, back to Tennessee, to Atlanta to spend a few days with Aunt Kim, then to Uncle Mikey and Aunt Shelby, back to Knoxville to spend time with Grandmommy and Mamaw and Papaw and Auntie Em, and some time with best friends. 
The kids helped start the tree at Granddad's house.  They were really excited!
While in Atlanta with Aunt Kim and the cousins, we went panning for gold and panning for gems. 
Yes, these are my twelve year old nephews!  I guess I got the short genes in the family ;)
Brett, Ashley, and Josh before we left
Lauren and her cousin Paige
Michael and Shelby (and baby Ryan)
Justin, Caleb, Tyler, Peyton, and Paige

We left Atlanta a day early because they were calling for snow.  I really can't believe we got snow the day before Thanksgiving!  It was the one thing on the kids "to do in America" list that I thought they would not get.  All I can say is that I had four super excited and happy kiddos.  They all wanted to make their own snowman.
Lauren's snowman was a bit smaller than the others but super cute :)
I just love how their personalities show up in their snowmen.
Yes, we got to play some, too!
Regan and Grandmommy spent the afternoon making cookies.
That evening we all went to the Fantasy of Trees to watch Kayla dance.
We all see who won the fight over who got to hold the baby....well, she won at first.  Papaw actually held her the most. 
Kayla did a great job dancing!  
Good friends!!
Bryan and Lauren (and Daniel photo bombing in the background) :)
We enjoyed Thanksgiving lunch, watched the parade and dog show. Then the next day we had a cookout with all of the relatives on Jonathan's side of the family.
 Jonathan took three of the kids out in the cold to watch the lighting of the Christmas tree downtown.

 Regan got a special treat going to Spirited Art to have a painting class.
Here is the final products of our class!  It was a fun, fun day!