On Saturday we hosted an early Thanksgiving with some of the Lilly's. John's parents, his Aunt Doris and Uncle Jim, his cousin Beth's family, and his brother and his family- were all able to come celebrate and eat with us! (We missed you Erin and Wes- maybe next year!!)
I cooked my first turkey (you were right mom it really was easy and your marinade made it really tasty!). I used my china for the first time (yes, I have owned it for seven years). And, everyone got to see our new house.
I really enjoyed hosting and hope we are able to again in the future!
The hit of the day, according to the kids, was the art project. I bought inexpensive wooden ornaments and nativity scenes at Micheal's and they painted to their hearts desire. I was impressed with the attention and effort they were able to spend on this project. Of course, I enjoy a craft or two, and I was still painting a good hour after most of the kids were done with it. I think Scarlett enjoyed it more than anyone, and she was (and is) quite the artist.
Here are some shots of the kids painting.
I did not think to photograph the bird, or my table- scape, or the adults.
But, here are the young artist's at work.
Gavin, Jay and Ethan hard at work.
Scarlett working on her masterpiece.
The boys all concentrating. I never would have guessed they could all be so quiet at once!!
Ethan squirting half the bottle of gold paint onto his tree.
The happy artist.
Anyone know where the apron is from? All the kids wore my kitchen aprons to save their clothes. Ethan wore one of my oldest ones- any readers know its origin?
Leave a comment if you recognize it!
On Friday, Ethan had a biddy come over for a play - date. They are both sweet and laid back kids. So most of the time Monica (the other mom) and I were in the kitchen and they were in the surrounding rooms (hey - we could hear them!!). At one point Ethan asked about the camera and I put it away. What he failed to mention was he has taken several photos in more than one room (meaning he carried my camera around the house- yikes!). I did not realize this until I was uploading photos from the camera about 30 minutes ago. 
Above is Ethan's buddy Caroline displaying her lipstick! 
These are three friends from high - school (Crossroads youth group really - which was better than high- school for me in many ways). I feel blessed to have experienced so much of life with them. We had the chance to get all our families together on Sunday and it was great. There are six children among us now (and only half of us have kids). I am still waiting on the other half to contribute their three children (each). And, as Jessie said - "we need a blond friend" - so if you are interested (and blond) call for an application.
