our day/weekend of thanks.

Thanksgiving 2012 was probably one of my favorite Thanksgivings yet.  It was a mix of family time, relaxation, good food, nice weather and the official beginning of the Christmas season.  

Wednesday night we put the final handprints on our Thanksgiving tree.  It turned out perfectly!  Carter loved thinking about what he was thankful for each day and I loved watching the tree grow. Definitely a tradition we will continue.

 Some of the thankfulness hands, up close.  My favorites: meatballs, hair, nice bosses and milk.

 So much to be thankful for!

 The tree in all its glory.

 Thursday morning we headed down to Matt's parents house.  I got busy cooking all the side dishes, Matt watched football, Lucy wandered around and Carter found Matt's old toy box.  It was the the perfect day.

 Yoshi waited so patiently for a piece of turkey (and probably got more than just 1 piece by the end of the night!)

 Carter LOVED playing with Matt's old Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and kept asking us if he could take some home.  Hours and hours of entertainment.

 Her first thanksgiving!

 Love them.

 Grandma Vance with her favorite little girl.

Our attempt at a family pic.  I forgot about it until after Lucy went to bed and Carter didn't have any pants on.  But, we are all smiling and looking at the camera so I'd say it was a success.

Friday Matt and I headed out shopping.  We somehow avoided all the crazies and finished most of our shopping!  

Saturday we headed over to my parents house for a 2nd Thanksgiving dinner.  Christmas decorations were up and Lucy loved playing and reorganizing all the ornaments. Another delicious dinner and then we were headed home.

 We aren't putting up our Christmas decorations until after Carter's birthday party (trying to avoid excess clutter) but I couldn't wait to put up lights (I mean, to tell Matt to get on the cold, slippery roof and hang lights).

Perfect end to a perfect weekend.