Very Thankful Thanksgiving

This year our plans were a little different than normal. Thursday we spent at my Aunt Judy's in Salem with my parents and cousins. I wish I could say it was a nice day but it just wasn't. Madison and Jackson were HORRIBLE. It had to have been one of the worst days we've ever had with them. We spent so much time dealing with them that I didn't even take out my camera. We had to take turns bringing Jackson outside because he was screaming so loud. Chris and I were so stressed. You could feel the tension in the air and everyone else was even quiet because they didn't know what to say. I felt so bad that we made it so unenjoyable. At least my cousin Venetia got to laugh that her kids were past that stage.

In their defense it was nap time but they've gone plenty of days with no naps and not acted like that.

They did get in a good deal of play time with 5 year old Jack. They had fun chasing each other.

After dessert we had to leave to go to the airport with Chris's family. His cousin Jim was flying home from Afghanistan that night. We were all there to greet him.

The airport staff gave Jim's parents special passes so they could greet him at the gate. Poor Karen said she was sobbing waiting for him.

Wouldn't you know he was the LAST one off the plane.

There he is!

Greeting his sisters...

and brother.

Madison and Jackson weren't too happy to be strapped in the stroller that long so we had to let them loose. They actually did really well staying right with the group.

Jackson wasn't in the group photo because he wouldn't let me put him down.

We went back to their house after the airport and had dinner and cake for Jim's birthday.

While we were there Jackson was roaring at uncle Jim. Jim was awesome at reacting to it so Jackson wouldn't stop. The whole ride home Jackson kept saying "scare shim (jim)". And they've also been singing "happy birthday to you...bwow the candles!"

So Jim is home and we are so very thankful that he is safe. Unfortunately his break is only for two weeks.