Our Family on Thanksgiving

The photo below was taken shortly before we left our home to enjoy a very yummy Thanksgiving dinner at Steve's parent's home....

We are so very blessed by our family. From left to right: Steve, Josiah (2), Tracey, McKenna (13), Mariah (17) and Miranda (9) ~~ Yes, the kids are all destined to be taller than Mom!!!

Thanksgiving

We were so blessed to have a very nice Thanksgiving holiday with our families. We enjoyed an incredibly delicious dinner at Steve's parents' house in the early afternoon with his parents, grandmother, brother and his brother's friend. Steve's sister and her family weren't able to join us this year, but we will see them in December for Christmas. In the early evening, we then to my Aunt Stella's home for more great food and visiting with my family.

While we have so very much to be thankful for this year, there is definitely a huge, wonderful presence missing from our celebrations. My Dad. Simply put: I miss him. I miss his smile, I miss his hugs, I miss his laugh, I miss his love, I miss his support, I miss his kindness, I miss his strength, I miss hearing his voice, I miss watching him be a grandpa to my children....I miss him. Countless things remind me of Dad all throughout the day and while the sadness of missing him is very strong, I am thankful he was such an important part of my life that he is so easily remembered.

Pumpkin Festival @ Rock Creek

Each year, we all go to a very fun, local pumpkin patch. Unfortunately, with my dad's passing, we didn't have a chance to go to that one this year. Instead, my mom, sister and I took the kiddos to a pumpkin festival at Rock Creek in Stevenson. It was different than the tradition we've become accustomed to since @ 1992, but we all had a fun time!
~~~~~~~~~~
In the photo below, in front of the tractor are all four of Lisa's kiddos, Tyler's son, my four kiddos and Mariah's boyfriend, Bobby. From left to right: Miranda (my youngest daughter), Dade (son of my youngest brother, Tyler), Josiah (my son), McKenna (my second born), Sydney (one of Lisa's twins), Sophia (Lisa's youngest daughter), Mariah (my oldest daughter), Savannah (one of Lisa's twins), Antonio (son of my sister, Lisa) and Bobby (Mariah's friend).

Below, from left to right: McKenna (13yrs old), Josiah (2yrs old), Mariah (17yrs old) & Miranda (9yrs old) ~ my sweet blessings!
~Mariah & Bobby~McKenna, peeking out from the hay bales!

My sweet McKenna is growing up into such a young lady!

And below is Miss Miranda (disguised as a kitty) peeking out from the hay bale tunnel.

I just love the look of wonder and amazement on Josiah's face!

(These were taken on October 29th, the day before his first haircut).

"Hey!! C'mon, Momma, why are you making me sit in this wheelbarrow?!?!?!"
A future cowboy, perhaps?

I know I've said it many times before, BUT, I am such an incredibly blessed momma. I am SO very thankful for each one of my children.