More Thanks to Give

We have spent the last two days with nothing on our agenda other than being together as a family, and for that we are extremely grateful. This has also been one of Mom's favorite Thanksgivings ever, despite the fact that as always we keenly missed being with our other family members, because the girls were such amazing helpers. Moo and Bean, here is what you did this Thanksgiving:

1. On Wednesday morning, you brined the turkey with Daddy. You also talked Mom into making it an early start for our Holiday, so the three girls stayed home.
2. Wednesday afternoon we made pumpkin pie together.
3. Wednesday night we made a Bourbon Pecan pie together.
4. Thursday morning you two were in charge of rinsing the brine off the turkey and slathering him with butter -- I think this was the Bean's very favorite task.
5. After that, we went for a walk and the Moo and Bean were in charge of Leaf Pile formations and also led the Leaf Pile Jumping squad.
6. When we got home (and after you were both bathed!) you made Great Grandma's stuffing recipe with Mom -- you both did everything except chop and saute the onions and celery.
7. You both made turkey centerpieces for the table and set the table.
8. You led the Thanksgiving prayer; the Moo gave thanks for pilgrims and the Bean gave thanks for leaves to jump in, if I remember correctly.

Other items on our Thanksgiving menu were rolls, mashed potatoes, and fresh green beans with applewood smoked bacon. Today we talked Daddy into playing hooky and went to see Bolt and have lunch at the nearby Italian restaurant. We also stopped by Go Bananas and the Paint Me Mine pottery place to pick up some pieces that the Moo and Bean had painted a week or so earlier. We are very thankful to have had that time together!

We are mostly thankful, though, for the news we got when we arrived home from Daddy's University. His paperwork for graduation has been approved, so Dad, at the age of 47, is a college graduate, although the ceremony will not take place until this summer. We are so proud and thankful for Dad, both for his hard work and dedication, and also for the example he has set for his daughters to never give up on something, no matter how long it takes! Yeah Dad!