Thanksgiving 2014 Recap

Our Thanksgiving this year almost didn't go as planned, but we managed to get out of town despite Nolan's ear infection and have a really good time.  Last Monday my mom took Nolan back to the doctor since he ears were still really bothering him, and we discovered his double ear infection had not cleared up.  Cue another round of antibiotics and NO sleep and we were seriously considering not going out of town for Thanksgiving.

I was heartbroken by this idea, but we just weren't sure how Nolan would feel and if he could deal with all the traveling and people.  We decided at the last minute on Wednesday that we would give it a shot, and if anything, perhaps being around family would give us all a break. 

We left early Thursday morning and headed to Aunt Mo's house for lunch with Mom's side of the family.  We ended up getting there late, so everyone had eaten but I was still able to snag a serving of macaroni and cheese :)  We didn't stay for long and made the rest of the trip to my dad's house in good time.  We had a nice lowkey evening there and just ate brats and pasta salad - the real meal was being saved for Friday night when Anthony's younger brother and his girls came into town!

 

 This chair was at Aunt Mo's and is over 60 years old...it fit him perfectly!

Nolan ended up keeping me awake for THREE hours on Thursday night, but thank heavens Nani is an early riser so she got him up and watched him while I got some much-needed extra sleep.  Everyone arrived a little after 10:30 and then the house was full!  There were 8 adults and 4 kids in my parents house all weekend :)  Luckily, there is plenty of room and they even got out Paige and Cade's old crib for my room and put up a mural and bought tons of toys for Nolan - it was like he was at home!  It was so sweet and I know he slept so much more comfortably in a crib than his pack and play.

Our meal on Friday night was so awesome, and I ate way too much.  Nolan especially loved the mashed potatoes and gravy - his first time trying both!  For dessert we had some adorable turkey cupcakes that the girls made...

We did just a bit of shopping on Saturday and spent some time at the park.  Anthony stayed at home with Nolan and the guys, but it was so nice to get out and get some fresh air.  I needed Nolan's shirt after all the yummy stuff we ate during the weekend.  He was too cute!

 

In case you can't read it, his shirt says, "Ready to Gobble (Till I Wobble)..."  My motto exactly!

But on a side note:  Aside from being tired and getting sick, I am constantly reminded of how truly blessed we are and what a WONDERFUL family we have.  I didn't want or need a thing this past weekend - all of my family (aside from Mom and Tom - we missed them) were all in one place, and if that is the case, I can turn my phone off and be perfectly content.  When I was younger I would have been more concerned to go shopping or find something to do, and nowadays I just yearn for that family time - that and nothing else.  It's truly the simple things that you learn to appreciate as you get older, and I welcome the wisdom that comes with finding the true meaning of life.