This thanksgiving was the first time it really hit us in a big way that Bob's mom was gone. It was our first real holiday without Grandma Betty and we just couldn't get her out of our heads all day. There were some tears and some laughs remembering her and the kids gave Bob lots of special attention once they realized how difficult the day was for him. It was bittersweet to be all together and having fun together all while constantly acknowledging Betty's absence all day long.
The kids were so excited to wake up on Thanksgiving morning. We had a fun day planned and they had been looking forward to it for weeks.
Molly Girl woke up looking gorgeous and even put a big pink bow in her hair. I don't think we are long for the bows and girlie stuff with Molly so I had to get a picture.
Lila, Brendan and untie Meg and Uncle Tim showed up in the morning for our traditional turkey frying and donut breakfast. It is our way of getting to spend some time together on Thanksgiving. Lila and Brendan looked adorable when they showed up but they both got undressed before they ate their jelly donuts! They also love to eat at our kitchen counter - they never want to sit at the table with us!
Annie and Auntie Meg both had riding boots on and they looked adorable!
Bob and Tommy remembering their Mom and celebrating their last holiday together for a while - Tommy is moving to Las Vegas in a week and we probably won't see him for a while.
Papa and Bob matched their shirts totally by accident. They look like twins don't they?
Papa and Ellie
Papa and Annie
Annie is always ready for a picture with two of her favorite guys!
Papa and Molly girl are really excited to see each other!
I love this picture - Molly is such a Papa's girl!
Grammy getting down low to get a big Thanksgiving hug from Lizzie.
Our beautiful Thanksgiving table filled with the people we love and the best food ever!
Aunt Renee and Peter posing for a picture together. I think Peter is starting to look more and more like Renee.
The Littles loved the Turkey cookies that Papa got for them.
Annie chopped off her Turkey head!
Annie hanging with her best guys!
Auntie Carol and Ellie. Ellie always wants to go home with Auntie Carol!
Auntie Ann and Miss Pat enjoying some dessert and some fun.
Uncle Colin and Miss Sue hanging out and having some dessert.
Peter with two of his favorite uncles.
Auntie Eileen and Auntie Renee. We go to see all of our favorite people on Thanksgiving. It was a beautiful and perfect day.
Peter and Ellie having a sweet moment together.
Uncle Colin and his godbaby! She adores him but it always makes her remember how much she misses her Godmama!
Love this picture - just a candid of everyone hanging out together and being thankful for all we have.
My mom loves her Uncle B hugs - we all do! There is something about how long and warm Uncle B's hugs are that make them my favorites! Obviously - Grammy feels the same way!
Grammy gave Lizzie and Ellie a birthday present - very noisy guitars! They all loved them.
Auntie Eileen getting some extra hugs!
The girls begging Uncle Colin for Ring Around the Rosy one more time.
He is really good at it!
The Harding Family had gone to the Macy's parade at 6 in the morning, then had Thanksgiving at Auntie Vicky's house and then stopped over to see us at Grammy's. They were exhausted but we were all thrilled to see them.
Katie and Auntie Karla taking a little rest.
Grammy and Molly girl spending some time together.
Awe - uncle Pat and Auntie Eileen loving on each other. These two were inseparable when they were young!
The littles could not get any closer to Auntie Karla and Katie. they were o excited to have Katie there that they would not back away at all.
All in all a great day - lots of family, friends, food and fun. I could not ask for anything more than to be with the people we love and enjoy being together. Thank you to Grammy for a beautiful meal and for bringing together all of the people we love on one day! We are so blessed!
GNM - ILY!
