Merci. Gracias. Danke. thanks.

Awe Thanksgiving! Probably one of the best holidays ever invented! As long as I can remember I've spent the weeks leading up to the fourth Thursday in November, salivating at the mere thought of green bean casserole or cornbread stuffing. As a former vegetarian, Turkey was always secondary in my pallets desires, but nothing could top the whipped cream covered pumpkin pie! I'm getting all emotional just realizing that it's all over and another year must pass before we can partake in the feast that was founded by our natives and forefathers.

Since I have one million and two (yes two) family members, holidays can be quite busy around here. We decided that we would start our own tradition and have a mini meal with just the three of us on Thanksgiving eve. We cooked up the food only we would like and dressed our best to enjoy a warm up meal.

We feasted upon Tofurkey (meat substitute that tasted a lot like turkey), oven baked sweet potato chips, and green bean casserole (of sorts... no canned anything and no creamy soups).
As Kenton "carved" the meatish loaf, I served our beans and potatoes. It was nice to Christin our house with it's first Thanksgiving meal.

We awoke early the next morning to watch my favorite, The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade! Everytime I watch the parade, I can't help but feel like the little girl who'd be the first one up at Grandmom's house tuning in to the parade while my family slept on the hide-a-bed nearby. I love the parade and I love sharing it with Judah. He drew a picture for Spongebob while we awaited his appearance above the NYC skyline. Kenton hates parades so he didn't really care that we were so excited.

After the parade we ran across town to steal a few minutes with The Ross' as they were in town to be with Travis' parents. Jaden's huge, Taite's a big boy who was too old to hang around us, Trinity was the cherry on top for Judah's day! She is the proverbial pea to his carrot! Travis and Jennette are awesome. So awesome in fact that it sinks in a little more each time what great friends they are and how bad it stinks that they're in CO! We love them and we STILL miss them!!! As Judah poured his heart out as we were leaving, I couldn't help but feel the same way. I just kept mine inside. I love you guys and can't wait to see you again!

As Judah dried his tears and I took a deep melancholy sigh, we headed for Meme's house. Kenton's mother hosted our official Thanksgiving day meal. We provided all our family with Turkey breads and being the former vegetarian, I returned to my roots and nearly ate half the the bread bird. We enjoyed as Judah's "big uncle" and "little uncle" played with him all day and we could actually talk to the adults. We wrapped up the night and I chatted with my Dad all the way home. He and my mom were finishing their yearly pie tour in Pittsburg with my Grandmom. (Place another melancholy sigh here)

Another Hansen tradition continues on Friday. We were off to Kenton's Dad's house for the annual hanging of the greens and placing of the reindeer!
We had a full day of decorating, picture taking, eating, and of course.... dreidel playing! What Thanksgiving is complete without a long game of dreidel?

We had a great day. As you may see, our picture has more space used up this year. Reid's friend Keni made the pic along with our eagerly anticipated new niece or nephew "Moony" Moony is barely present poking out of my sister in laws black shirt. "Moony" was the chosen pre-birth name given to the baby by his cousin Judah. (yet, another Hansen tradition).


Our busy weekend ended with the hanging our our own greens. This season is full of traditions and we continued another personal one this year. Judah picks out one ornament each year to adorn our tree with.

Here he is with the "Nick" ornament his Nana gave him this year.

2003, Judah was two months old and "picked" out this train.

2004, Judah picked out his beloved "Mo-Mo" or Elmo.

2005. Judah picked out a silver piggy bank.
2006, Judah picked out a green "long neck" dinosaur!

We worked hard to get all the decorations out and by several hours past bedtime, we did!

My favorite part of the night was when Judah was pulling out the Nativity scene and exclaimed across the house, "I FOUND JESUS!" We've been praying for this day his whole life! :)

We have so so much to be Thankful for. Each other, our health, our families, and you all too. Thank you all for being a blessing in our lives. Happy Thanksgiving to all and to all a good night!