Thanksgiving Weekend

I started off with some cooking… a pumpkin cheesecake, a New York cheesecake with cherry topping, and cranberry sauce.

One mini pumpkin cheesecake, yum!

On Thanksgiving morning, our neighborhood organized a Turkey Trot/Walk/Run event. It was really fun to get out with 20 or so others and exercise in the brisk fall air.

Then back to the kitchen, where I made a double batch of Pioneer Woman’s sweet potatoes, otherwise known as “you thought you didn’t like sweet potatoes.”

Then we got ready to walk across the street to our family Thanksgiving dinner. 🙂 I didn’t even bother to cover my sweet potatoes, and I left the desserts at home in the fridge until it was time to put them out. So convenient!

Headed out the door – quick family photo!

Dinner was wonderful and the dessert table was gorgeous. I had a little of everything and it was all amazing.

Before dessert, Haley launched a plan she’d been hatching: a dance performance for all 20 guests. JT and Haley made seat numbers around the living room, JT was deejay, and Haley danced for all of “Let it Go.” It was pretty cute, and I really appreciate the whole family watching and clapping for her. She even started by introducing herself: “My name is Haley Keene, and I have a performance.” She is planning another one for Christmas, fair warning!

Then we played a raucous game of team Pictionary. It was really fun!

On Friday, of course we did a little shopping and decorated the house. We have the perfect spot for the tree, which you can see from the street and isn’t in the way, and we didn’t have to rearrange furniture. We have a second smaller tree in the family room with colored lights and all sorts of random ornaments as well.

First time I’ve ever had a good spot for decorations by the front door!

Saturday was time for Iron Bowl. We had Grandpa and Grandma Keene and Preston over to watch it with us. It was a good weekend for football in our house, with the Huskies, the Crimson Tide, and the Seahawks all winning their games. Phew!

Jim finished putting up the house lights in time for me to come home to them on Monday after work!

And finally, Jim and I stayed up folding 24 tiny booklets so we could start the Tales of Christmas Past advent series on December 1st.

Meanwhile, Haley knew exactly what she wanted to get Jim and JT for Christmas. I take her shopping for the boys, and Jim takes JT shopping for the girls. The kids spend their own money and come up with the gift ideas all on their own. Today, Haley suggested we go shopping. She got her wallet, marched straight to the section of the store she wanted, and made her purchases proudly. At home, we wrapped both gifts in boxes to disguise the items inside, and Haley wrote the tags. She loves surprises and is very excited to have these opened in 24 short days!