A little catching up

Thanksgiving has past, but I would like to take this moment to thank you all for being so patient with my obvious flaw of procrastination. I know that even though you have all moved on to thoughts of jingle bells and sugar plumbs, that you will humor me with a little interest in what has already past in every one elses thoughts. With that in mind-didnt we just do this? Seriously, shouldnt it be like June still? Am I the only one who thinks this year has flown by faster than any other year ever experienced? Did someone push a fast forward button on our lives and it got stuck!? Anyway, enough of a peek inside my inner thoughts. On to....yes, thats right-Thanksgiving!

I wont keep you for long. Its all pretty self explanatory, as far as a Thanksgiving goes. I do have to start by saying however, that Ryan did manage to get his annual Turkey Bowl game organized, and even got Madi to join them this year. I was a little worried, because she gets hurt just by looking at a sharp object. Lo and Behold about 2 hours in I get a call from her. 'Oh, here it goes, she has injured herself on Thanksgiving of all days.' But what do I hear on the other line? "Mom, dad fell and hit his head really hard, and hes not getting up, and he wont answer anyone. I think he might be dying. Can you come!? " Dont panic, she exaggerates as much as she injures herself. After a few questions, I find out they are on their way home, and he isnt in fact, dead. He did take a good fall though, right on the back of his hard skull. He came home with a decent headache, and a little dizziness...pretty much for the rest of the day. He is pretty sure he got a mild concussion though. Helmets, boys...helmets!

Anyway, I told you I wouldnt keep you, and there I went. I will wrap it up quick now, promise. But really, its just not thanksgiving without a little football injury right? So after Ryan had rested and I had cooked (with a few little assistants), we were ready to medicate our stomachs with gross amounts of food.

All done!

Katelin made sure we had out thankful basket ready to go.

Is it just me, or does Zack look like he's thinking..."Why am I stuck with all these girls?"

Ryan was well enough to slice a turkey, so he must be okay. Have to say, this was our best turkey yet. It stayed moist and flavorful. I just may learn yet!

And the grand finale:PIES! Only 6 this year...(:

Apple, Chocolate Puddin, Real chocolate, Pecan, Almond Cheesecake, and Pumpkin.

And yes, we ate them all! Not in one day, but all. Dont Judge, I know your just jealous. Or not.

And thats the end of thanksgiving. That wasnt so bad, right?

Oh, but here comes more...and you thought you were done reading this post!

To kick off Christmas, our ward held their annual breakfast with Santa event. Well, except this year it was Brunch with Santa. We found that out after showing up an hour early. But at least we got dibbs on Table #1, so we could be the first to stuff our faces. (: Afterwards, it was time to greet the Big Man...and I know we were at church, but Im not talking about the Man upstairs. No, its Santa. And for another tid bit into my inner thoughts...Am I the only one that thinks its sac-religious to end the Church Christmas Celebration with a visit from Santa Claus? Maybe. But this year, more than others, I find myself seething over this guy. I refused to put any of his decorations up in my house this year. If someone can give me some insight on how Santa makes Christmas better, please do.

Well, at least the kids were amused.

I think Brylee did pretty well this year, seeing how last year, she wouldnt even look at the guy.

A friendly handshake will suffice...oh, and bring me something good, will ya?

Katelin was sure she knew who was under the suit. Who knows...maybe she was right. Brother Sladek...is that you? Yes, yes it is. But dont tell...he makes an adorable Santa, dont ya think?
Later that night, the 3 older ones and I indulged in a little spinning and...well... just spinning to the tune of the nutcracker. The elementary school put on the performance, so the girls had to go see their friends who were in it. I was a little disappointed there was no speaking involved, but Alissa seemed to enjoy it. No pictures though, Ryan stole the camera to snap some memories of this:

Two very excited little boys got to ride in a boat for a parade! A friend approached Ryan and asked him if we were interested in filling the boat for his company. I know, right...who does a parade in December in Wisconsin? Well hey, why not? We're in! We gave the girls the option of what they wanted to do, but the nutcracker won out. So Ryan grabbed another friend to help fill in, and they went to freeze together. Looks like they enjoyed it though, and its probably the only time they will ever be in a hundred of thousands dollar boat.

I think they enjoyed watching the people, as opposed to waving at them.

Ah...I stand corrected. Isnt he cute?

And Brylee had a little help with her wave as well.

So now that the Christmas season is kicked off, I will see you again in late January...well, thats a lie. Brylee's birthday is coming up first! Up above...unless you already read that- then shame on you for viewing it out of order. Actually, thats just the way blogger works, so what are ya gonna do? Happy ThanksChristmas!