We Are Thankful

A full house with all beds taken, every towel used, computers everywhere and bellies stuffed... it was Thanksgiving at the Laeser Institute!

I was most thankful that the four of us were together at this special holiday where it's just about being together and not about all the "stuff". We had Luke's family join us this year... Nana, Grandpa, Emily and Tea made their way through the rain and were here during beautiful fall weather. The kiddos loved being together!!!  Dress up, role playing and running through the house was the norm for sure.  

We had a great walk on Thanksgiving Day (Luke is taking the picture because Grandpa couldn't miss the Lions vs Packers game - it's TRADITION!):

And  then we came home to a super meal - if I do say so myself.  I love cooking and making people feel comfortable in my house so hosting Luke's family was really nice for me.
The menu:

• Apple Cider Glazed Turkey
• Paula Dean's Traditional Dressing
• Bourbon Gravy (truly the best I have had, for brown gravy)
• Rosemary and Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
• Not-Your-Mama's-Green-Bean-Casserole by Alton Brown (Luke's favorite of the meal)
• Scalloped Potatoes
• Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows (it isn't Thanksgiving without this)
• Cranberry and Fig Compote
• Onion Rolls
• Red Velvet Cake (in honor of the Carter Family)
• Chocolate Pecan Tart

I have to say I cannot believe I coordinated it all, but I did and feel like a total woman because of it!!

I also got to use the Macdonell Family silver and it totally made my table look fantastic!  I am so thankful to have something so special be a part of my future family traditions.

And it made my heart happy to feed the family!  Per usual, my kids were CRAZY!!!  I don't think they ate more than a spoonful of sweet potatoes, but the peanut butter sandwiches were a big hit a few hours later :)

I was very thankful to work off some of the engorgement by going on a mountain bike with Luke (and for the free-of-charge child care that comes along with family).  He was very patient and encouraging and I felt like a real tough-girl.  I know that many of you are true tough-girls, but I really did have a great time enjoying the physical exertion it took to move myself and my 10 year-old, no shock, Schwinn through the whoopdy doos.

And this is me back on the niiiice, downhill cruise to the car :)

On Saturday, we all went for a short hike up North Chickamauga Creek and the kids had a great time.  Kestrel pushed the boundaries, per usual, and decided to walk directly into the creek shoes and all.  I was thankful I brought an entire change of clothes and new shoes.  I think she was thankful too!

Grandpa and Nana were the leaders in skippin' stones in the creek.

I think this is a terrific picture of Joyce!!!

It truly was a Thanksgiving to be thankful for!

Soccer Finale

Layton's soccer season came to an end today with a grand finale where his team played three games. Throughout the season, which began in September 15th, Layton made steady improvements with each practice and game. Most games he had more fun just skipping around than actually getting into the action. Until the last game today....

After a head bonk collision with one of his teammates he came out a bit upset and was complaining of being too tired to play. He argued with mom and was ready to quit so in a last ditch effort I struck a deal with him to buy him a cotton candy, that was being sold at the concession stand, if he scored a goal.

After our talk, in less than a minute, he was charging down the field aggressively, kicking the ball more than he had all season scoring two goals! Funny it happen that way, with bribery, but it worked, and we're still proud.

We LOVE Heads in a Hole!!!!!!

Welcome November

Our Luke/Dad came home from training and we have been getting back to normal and having A LOT of FUN doing it. We are so proud of his accomplishments so I made a welcome home cake.

Layton in a typical posing for a photo...

Kestrel and Dad bouldering at Rocktown

We are almost back to normal, whatever that is, and have spent a lot of time outdoors as a family. We all need fresh air and the kids love it! One of the great features of our neighborhood in Chattanooga is the river trail that runs along the Tennessee river and the new additions that run behind our house on South Chickamauga Creek. It features several miles of elevated wood boardwalk with lots of tree covered twists and turns and great views of the creek. Shown below are a few shots for the most recently completed sections upriver from Stretchi Farm.

Kestrel and Mommy at Rocktown

Family time at the Stone Door

Nice view at the Stone Door

The Stone Door

Luke eating candy korn at the base of a route at the Stone Door

Family is so important to all of us and getting the time to spend it together is just so fantastic! We have been to Little Rock City, Rocktown and new places like the Stone Door (shown in the photos above and below) and this time of year they are absolutely spectacular! I haven't found the love of the Southeast terrain like I do of the West, but this area of middle Tennessee is stunning and really gorgeous in the fall!

Kestrel was so sleepy.... so we couldn't help but take this short video on a hike at the Stone Door. 

Waterfall at the Stone Door

One of my favorite end of October activities is pumpkin carving!

We ended October with a wonderful neighborhood Halloween Party!! I was on the planning committee and, even though it was a lot of work, we all had a great time. Layton went to school on Friday as Harry Potter, but he went to the party and trick or treated as a Vampire. Kestrel went as a lion.

Bring on November!!!!!!