Matt, Carrie, and their kids decided to join us for Thanksgiving weekend and we were so excited for them to visit. Their four kids are about our children's ages and they all get along perfectly so we love getting together with these cousins. (Actually we have a lot of cousins on the Stuart side that are the same ages and get along perfectly so it's always a party that we are excited about!)
They drove into town just after the kids got home from school on Wednesday so they started right in on the playtime--riding bikes, shooting hoops, salons and spas, playing "house" and babies, video games, and making Thanksgiving treats and crafts.
We made donut hole Acorns, pilgrim hats from Fudge Stripe cookies, and Oreo turkeys.
Zach and Jake didn't want to make treats so they were watching TV with Matt and Joe.
Clark and John are definitely 13 year olds--big teases and pesky older brothers.
McKell, Katelyn, Carlee, and Megan. Sweet and silly girls.
On Thursday morning we were especially excited to celebrate because it was Jake's birthday and Thanksgiving! I made Jake's favorite breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, pineapple, and cinnamon rolls, and then started preparing our Thanksgiving meal of turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, raspberry salad, deviled eggs, sweet potato casserole, rolls, and stuffing. We ate in the early afternoon and everything tasted wonderful, even the new recipes that I tried.
The girls set the tables so they ate with us and put the boys at their own.
When we were completely full and the kitchen was cleaned up, Jake opened his presents.
He got a bow and arrow from Clark. Now he can practice with this one before using his real one.
Katelyn gave him "Diary of a Wimpy Kid--The Last Straw".
He loves these books and just flies through them over and over again.
The Hansen cousins gave him a Nerf gun. We love Nerf in this house!
A remote-controlled helicopter from Carlee
And the latest video game trend, Skylanders Giants from Mom and Dad
Then we went to see "Rise of the Guardians" and the Swaseys joined us.
When the movie was over, we came back for Jake's requested "Turkey" birthday cake, Joe's delicious pumpkin and apple pies, and ice cream followed by a nice warm swim in the pool. The adults sat around the fire while the kids swam. It was such a nice night and the weather was great.
We lit the Turkey cake with tricky candles. He would get them all blown out but one would start again and slowly a few more would re-light. He was laughing so hard but finally got them all out!
We are so grateful for all of the countless blessings that we have and especially for our son, Jacob. He brings so much fun and happiness to our family. He is a sweet and sensitive boy with a playful attitude and wonderful sense of humor. Not much has changed about him in the last year. He still loves to stay at home and is the best snuggler around. Jake is always the first one done with homework and piano practicing so that he has time to play with his Legos and action figures. He loves to go to bed moving the action figures around in the air while he lays on his pillow. He has the best sound effects and giggles while playing video games. And he is the first to say, "I love you" and give hugs out of the blue which I always need. We love you, Jake the Snake. Happy Birthday and Happy Thanksgiving!
1 comment:
Cute Turkey Cake!!
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