Thanksgiving {2015}

Our little family had such a nice Thanksgiving.  We kicked off our festivities on Wednesday evening.  We threw a "Joy Party" at our house and invited Grandpa James, Nana, Papa, Uncle Billy, Aunt Kary, Natalie, Emily, and Stephen to come over for dinner and desserts.  Since everyone would be digging into a big turkey dinner the next day (or already had), we decided to have an easy menu. I made some apple cider that no one liked. ha ha ha! Nana made her famous chili and we enjoyed Frito Chili Pies along with some yummy cake that Natalie made.  We designated Addi the host of our Joy Party.  She picked out a few decorations as well as a cookie cake from our local bakery.  She took the cookie to the counter and asked for "Joy" to be written on it.  My goodness, was Addi ever proud of this cake.

I don't know how it happened, but this cookie cake picture was the only picture I took of the whole party.  We all had so much fun visiting and filling our tummies.  The next morning, we got ready for an early Thanksgiving lunch at Grandma and Papa Floyd's house.  Before we left, we took a few photos.  Usually, it's a little hard to get a picture with everyone looking and smiling.  But, the kiddos did a great job!

Of course, a silly picture was a must.

My favorite!

And just to compare, here's our first Thanksgiving with 4 kiddos picture (2011) vs. the most recent (2015). 

 Jason made his traditional green bean casserole and Grandma prepared a delicious feast.  It was so, so good!  After we ate, we played a few games.  Jason played Candy Land with the littlest ladies.

 Grandma, Papa, Evan, Payton, and Uncle Robert played a fun trivia game.  Addi joined in too!

We had to leave a little earlier than what we would have liked to, because Daddy had to get to work.  I had planned to go by the cemetery on the way home, but it was pouring rain. =(  When we made it home, the kiddos and I got in our p.j.'s and munched on left overs the rest of the day.  It was nice!  Our Thanksgiving/Joy Party celebrating didn't end on Thursday.  Saturday evening, we had my Uncle Terry, Sam, Nushea, Silas, and Sarah over for football and pizza.  Aunt Jen wanted to come, but she wasn't feeling well.  Karsyn was the hostess of this Joy Party.  She picked out a few decorations and some cupcakes.  She was so excited!  Our guests came over and we had so much fun!  Karsyn and Silas watched "Inside Out."

Payton, Sarah, Nushea, and Addi played board games.  I loved hearing these girls giggle.

The big boys watched the big Bedlam game.  The University of Oklahoma beat out Oklahoma State University.  Boomer Sooner!  We really enjoyed having them over! I think the girls' Joy Party idea is just great.  Payton will be the host of our next one in a couple of weeks. I love that they are developing a heart for hospitality.

 God has really given us an abundance of blessings and we are so thankful. I love that we got to celebrate such a special time with family.