Full of Thanksgiving part 2

After jump starting the van ON Thanksgiving morning :( and repacking, we traveled to the beach to be with EJ's grandma and dad.

EJ's sister and fiance also made the trip. We loved seeing so much of Jill and Ralph, they LOVE our kids and it's a blessing to watch their relationships grow. We came ready for THE big game. Yay Eagles!

There were Christmas presents galore awaiting our arrival. A tradition that began last year. We have to ride with an empty roof top carrier just to bring presents home. The older two were shocked and broke out in a dance when they opened and xbox one from PopPop!! We were in on the secret ;)

I had to record this milestone. Owen and Mason walked to a nearby pizza shop by themselves for slices of their beloved circle pizza. Oh my heart!

We didn't have thanksgiving dinner until Friday which was fine by all of us. Sadly, Nana was not feeling well and couldn't join us for dinner. This is our first Thanksgiving without her at the table. This was a difficult trip in a lot of ways. We had been told her health was declining quickly, but to see it with our own eyes is all together different. My heart aches for EJ's dad and sister who see and HELP on a daily basis. As we sat and listened to all they've been doing, we are so thankful for their care for her, but we feel helpless from so far away.

Dinner was not the same, but we did enjoy it and made the most of our time together.

After dinner we went to the annual tree lighting. Brrr...

Nana woke up from a nap feeling a little better,o Ryan and Avery filled her in on the lighting and Santa's debut. I love the smile they bring to her face.

 

She even felt well enough to play cards before the kids went to bed.

Before heading home on Saturday, we visited the beach in 36 degrees. 

I could not feel my toes or fingers for the 3 block walk back ;)

So thankful to have this man by my side. I have spent 13 straight Thanksgivings with his side of the family. I feel completely at home in both locations, this is such a blessing. Thanks for hosting our wild and loud crew!