Giving Thanks

Lochlan, Aeden, Nick, and Lauren

Our 4-wheeled circus van arrived safely in Charleston Wednesday evening.  After a day of working then travleing, we visited a bit with Nana and Jeff, then hit the sack anxious for the following day of Thanksgiving. 

Day #1, Ryan and I left the house early to head to the University of Charleston for the 2nd annual Drumstick Dash 5K.  It was a cold morning, but a lot of fun seeing a few old friends and getting the heart pumping early before a day full of eating.  My finish time was 26:02 and Ryan's was 33:00.  That means I beat him.  :)

Pre-race

Mom had a house full for Thanksgiving dinner including my Grandma, my brother and his family, Aunt Carolyn, Aunt Barb/Uncle Gary, and Jeff.  Mom's stuffing and Heather's deviled eggs were some faves.  The weather ended up being beautiful and warm.  We sat outside, laughed, talked, and watched the kids play all over the yard till they were covered in grass-stains/dirt and the sun went down.  Then we ate some more and watched some football and crawled into bed.

Brother Matt, me, Grandma and Mom

Friday we loaded up and moved our circus over to Matt and Heather's house to do it all over again.  Christmas came early and we exchanged gifts with Uncle Dave/Aunt Trena and my nephews.  Uncle David loves being Santa and he and Aunt Trena spoil all of us rotten.  We let them.  :)

Dinner #2 highlights are Matt and Heather's scrumptiously basted turkey and Uncle David's stuffing that is Mamaw's recipie.  Yum.  It rained Friday, so the kids were locked up inside with brand new nerf guns = tons bullets flying this way and that way by our heads.  We learned to play Apples to Apples Junior.  Lauren got to practice beading.  We took lots of family pictures.  Another thankful day full of family, laughter, photos, full bellies, and playing. 

Griffith Family

Saturday we loaded up the circus van and headed home early.  That drive is 5 hours no matter how you shake a stick at it.  I don't care if you drive straight thru the mountains, up and over or down and under the mountains, that drive is 5 hours.  Luckily 5 hours has proven to not be too long, but just long enough.  We found a nice little lunch spot called Salad Creations in Harrisonburg that hit the spot.  After 2 full days of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, ham, and casseroles, a bowl full of greens and veggies made all of us happy.

Saturday evening/night we settled back into our house.  The kids played with new toys.  Ryan ground up some fresh deer and watched football.  I unpacked and ran the laundry a few 20 times. 

Sunday we loaded up our traveling circus for the third time to have dinner with Grandma and Granddaddy, and Jamie and the kids (Royce had the stomach bug and stayed home...and here's to hoping we don't catch it).  Thanksgiving day #3 was just as great as day #1 and day #2.  The food was top notch, the family visiting was fantastic, watching the kids play with cousins was entertaining and sweet, and not having to cook dinner due to leftovers was icing on the cake.  I only wish I would have taken some family photos to share.  Take my word for it, those Foltz kids are super cute and photogenic.

During our travels I asked the kids what they were thankful for.  They both said family, school, God, Jesus, and teachers.  I'll add that I'm also thankful for our health, our home, and our jobs.  I'm extremely thankful for the love and support of our families.  I'm most importantly thankful for a merciful and loving Heavenly Father.