Thanksgiving

I just re-read my Thanksgiving post from last year. I’m practically in tears because so much has changed in a year.  LAST year we brought Thanksgiving to my in-laws in Redlands because traveling was getting difficult for my father-in-law as his battle with Parkinson's was progressing.

And this year Papa wasn’t able to attend our family gathering at all…and not because he didn’t want to…but because he was in critical care in the hospital for infection issues that were combined with his complications from the Parkinson's. It was a sad day. We missed him very much because he was in the hospital and not with us.

Last year I wrote…”I can’t imagine next year when we have a 7,3 and 1 year old running around” Well…this was the year. And chaotic doesn’t even explain it.

Its a VanSoest tradition is to watch The Dog Show on Thanksgiving…Peyton battled with Uncle John over the remote and football vs. dogs. haha Poor Peyton.

Missy and Chris did a great job!! They always cook such yummy food and make it all look so easy. I STRUGGLE with hosting and cooking! haha

And good ol’ Maggie was having a rough evening which means everyone has a rough evening. She skipped nap #2 and was SUPER whiny and just not content. I felt bad for our family because she just wouldn’t stop…nothing seemed to make her happy! This age is tough. Don’t all us mama’s know that. So I walked her outside, inside, played with toys, played with dogs, snacked, NOTHING was working.

As we waited for food I did the usual…mandatory family picture. I’m sure everyone gets annoyed BUT it has to be done!

The family pic made me a little sad though. We were really missing Papa!! I think last thanksgiving’s family picture might be the last family picture we have of all of us together…kinda sad.  Actually I think it might be the ONLY picture we have of all of us. The only other ones I’m thinking about is when Maggie was in my tummy…

Before we ate I realized that I didn’t have any pictures of just my 3 kiddos from today. I had my niece snap a few family pics (which I’ll post about later)…but none of just them! And thats impossible to do.

But we ate our dinner. Not in peace. Not together. Someone was always running around trying to keep maggie quiet. Ugh she made this turkey day a little difficult….I’m sure it’ll be better next year…right?!? ((Probably worse!)) haha

Love family-time…regardless how much Maggie is driving us crazy. I’m Thankful for this family…we’re blessed to have them in our lives!!

 

And the Black Friday tradition was back on with Bernie and I! Oh so much fun! Yes Mom’s car was THAT full!