Thanksgiving 2015

We had a low key Thanksgiving break around here. The boys had the week off, but I had to teach Monday and Tuesday. Mark had to work through Wednesday. So we just had 4 days off all together. But it was just about right. After being together so much in Disney World it was actually nice to be back at school for a few days and back in routine. 

The boys made some cute Thanksgiving Activities at school. 

Heath made a Turkey with thankful feathers! Bike, house, basketball hoop, food, brothers, opa, and friends. 

Heath also had to disguise his turkey so that it wouldn't get eaten on Thanksgiving Day! Of course he chose to dress him up like Pluto! (Can you tell he got a haircut in between these pics?)

Nolan wrote this sweet report on being thankful for land. Ha! But it was quite touching. 

Brooks had a little Thanksgiving party at school. 

Mark was able to join in on the fun! 

What a turkey! 

We prepared little treats for all of our teachers that we are OH SO thankful for! 

All month long we did our traditional Thankfulness Project. This year we wrote what we were thankful for on little leaves and attached them to real branches that we used to decorate our dining room. 

It turned out very pretty. And for memories sake, here is the run down of what they shared each night. This year we also asked them to tell us why they were thankful for that person or thing and to pray for them/about them as well. It was so sweet. 

Nolan: Mommy, Heath, Daddy, scooter, Brooks, Jayden, lunch, Donald Stuffed Animal, Snow Day, School, Aunties, going to Oma's house, toys, blankets

Heath: Brooks, Daddy, Nolan, Mommy, Dads and Donuts, Aunties, house, bike, Pluto Stuffed Animal, bed, school, new scooter, shoes, couch

Brooks: prayer, Mommy, Brothers, Mickey World, eating with Daddy, Nolan, playing cars, Mickey Stuffed Animal, teachers, Opa and Arie and Oma, Gibson and Lyla, football, hockey (watching with Daddy), Grandma and Grandpa ("me go to that guys house next day"- meaning Grandpa, ha!)

I thought this was a fitting picture for Thanksgiving this year! Makes me smile! 

Thanksgiving morning we always sleep in, drink coffee, and watch the parade, and talk to my parents. They had driven to Whitehall for the weekend which was nice for them to be with the Johnsons during their first Thanksgiving without any kids at home. 

Then these two helped me make the Corn Casserole. 

Then we got spiffed up and ready to head to Cara & Wes' for dinner! 

Me and my cuties! 

They were in quite the smiling and happy mood that day! 

Love these sweet pictures I got! 

Mal & Bob joined the Jansen clan for Thanksgiving this year! 

Yay! 

Sparkling juice for the Mama to be! 

The kids always have so much fun playing together! 

 

Then it was time to eat! 

The crazy kids table! 

Who knows what was happening here, but I LOVE his JOY! 

Always fun with this crew! 

Look at my beak! 

Sweeties! 

And now a photo of the adults! We had quite the group this year! 

After eating it was time for more playing! 

And the Turkey Game of course! 

Thank you Auntie Sue for always planning this fun game for us! 

Showing off his prize! 

The Adult Round

It's fun to watch them buddy up and play in different combinations when they are all together. Love that they are growing up with their cousins! And now their new baby cousin too! 

Thankful for this Jansen fam. 

It's a Wonderful Life!