Happy Thanksgiving!

Before I change my blog format to go with the Christmas holiday season, I thought I’d better get my Thanksgiving post in! Last year we celebrated Thanksgiving in Gainesville with out our families because of Dave’s work schedule. This year, Dave still had to work, but Cori and I made the trip down to Tampa. Dave met us down there on Friday.

This year I decided that I would contribute to the food making process. I guess I was so used to being a “kid” that I hadn’t even thought about making something. Since I’m now 27, married, with a baby of my own, I thought it was the year to start! :) I made homemade pumpkin pie and sweet potato casserole. Delicious!!

Thanksgiving morning started early with getting Cori up and out the door by 7am to make the 2 hour drive to Tampa. We arrived at my parent’s house just in time to start cooking! My pumpkin pie and sweet potato casserole turned out wonderfully! Both were a hit at dinner later that day! After the cooking was complete, we loaded up the car and headed to my Aunt Colleen’s house for Thanksgiving dinner. We always celebrate Thanksgiving at my aunt’s house and it was so nice to be there after missing last year!

My aunt and uncle have an 11 year old daughter, Madison, who was adopted from China when she was just 19 months old. She is truly a wonderful little girl and Cori had the BEST time playing with her! They got out all her little baby dolls and strollers from when she was a bit younger. Cori had the time of her life pushing a sweet floral stroller around with one of the ugliest baby dolls I have ever seen. Cori seemed to think she was beautiful though! It sure was a sight to see!! My dad even taught her how to back up when she ran into the wall or furniture. Go dad!! :)

 

Later on, she spent some time playing the piano with my mom and grandma. It was adorable to watch her spending time with them! And, she sure did like playing. Look at those fingers go!! :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Friday morning, Cori and I packed up and headed over to the Smith house. You see, because David had to work and his order brother, Ryan, who is a firefighter, had to work … the Smith’s decided to wait and have Thanksgiving on Friday. It worked out perfectly! I spent the morning cooking once again, but this time the pumpkin pie didn’t turn out as I hoped. It was so much better on Thursday! Oh well, better luck next time! The sweet potatoes were even better though so that made up for it!

Dave arrived around 1:30 after a morning of work in the new born nursery at Shands. It was a full house! This year we had 23 people at Thanksgiving dinner. Dave’s mom even had to borrow tables and chairs from the school she works at. Dave’s aunt Cinda and cousin Annie set and decorated the tables. It looked beautiful!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was pretty much a Smith family reunion. Dave’s younger brother and wife were there from Minnesota. Dave’s uncle from Salt Lake was there with his wife and 2 twin girls who are just one day younger than Cori. Dave’s uncle from Charlotte was there with his wife and daughter who is our age. Both sets of grandparents were there, cousins, as well as the rest of the Tampa crew. It was so great to see everyone! Here is a picture of us all! :)

 

Every year we take lots of family photos at Thanksgiving. It really is the only time of year we are all together (besides beach week). We take family photos with the Russell’s (my family) on Thanksgiving too, but for some reason this year, we forgot! :( Probably because Dave wasn’t there to remind us!! Hopefully we will get a good one at Christmas!

Here are some photos from the Smith’s Thanksgiving…

Smith Kids

 

The Original Smith Family, before all of us girls joined in!

 

Smith Kids with their wives and this year, a boyfriend!!

 

All the girls!!

 

My sweet family of 3, who I love with ALL my heart!!

 

It was a fabulous Thanksgiving weekend with family. I am so glad everyone was able to come in from places near and far to celebrate a time of thankfulness together. There are always times of happiness and sadness, joy and sorrow, ups and downs, but in the midst of it all, there is always family to be thankful for.

This year we are especially thankful for some news we found out a few weeks before Thanksgiving. Take a closer look at Cori’s shirt and you’ll see what I’m talking about. That’s right. We are pregnant again and couldn’t be more excited!! I made Cori this “Big Sis” shirt for her to wear on Thanksgiving as a fun way to tell everyone, although some family members knew before hand! Cori and the new baby will be exactly a year and a half apart – due on the 4th of July! Dave and I go in to the OB on Tuesday for our second ultrasound to see the little guy or gal. We would love your prayers for another healthy baby!!

 

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Let the Christmas countdown begin!!