Giving Thanks

This year we started a new tradition - A Thankful Tree - during the month of November there was a tree in our kitchen (a lovely not so martha paper tree but you get the idea). During Family Home Evening we added to our Thankful Tree by writing what we were thankful for on colorful leaves and then attaching them to our tree. I am learning as a mom that some attributes come naturally to some and not for others. Gratitude is a 'non-negotiable must learn' attribute in my book and so November is a great month to remind us all of the importance of always being thankful.
Doesn't JK look especially grateful here?
Toby's preschool did their feast and I am forever grateful for our preschool and his teachers. They all dressed as Pilgrims for one picture and Indians for another.

For our actual Thanksgiving break we headed to Atlanta and had a great time eating, shopping, eating and shopping some more! Kim is my day after Thanksgiving shopping buddy and we did really well this year. I really don't know what I like better Thanksgiving day or Black Friday.

When the kids were done playing in these leaves Lars set up a pillow pit at the bottom of the stairs at Pa's house. He told the kids that if they cleared their first jump they could move up a stair - ultimately making it so that the below kids were jumping from the top of the stairs all the way to the bottom. I am grateful for no broken bones!