Thanksgiving Homestyle

 

After we found out that a cousin tested positive for Covid, we had to quickly adjust our plans for Thanksgiving this year.  It was so sad at first, but then we decided we would just stay in Charlotte and enjoy NOT traveling for the first time ever on Thanksgiving Day!  

Dave and the kids planned the menu and went to work Wednesday night making the Oreo dessert.

This morning I started with a short run in the pouring rain.  Thankfully, by the time I got home, the rain stopped and we were all able to get ready for the neighborhood Turkey Trot.  I promised Savannah I would walk with her so I had to get a quick run in earlier. :)  It turned out to be a beautiful morning and we enjoyed our time outside.  We came home, showered, and put the turkey in the oven.  

It wasn't long before the sides were all ready and we were enjoying our first ever Thanksgiving meal with just us four at home. I have to say I missed the conversations and laughter around the table, but it was nice to stay home.  We spent the afternoon decorating for Christmas and then we ready for dessert.

The boys spent some time setting up our outdoor lights too.

We are truly counting our blessings this Thanksgiving. Sure it's been a pretty yucky year with Covid and things are most definitely different, but we are so grateful for our health, family, friends, and that we have not been devastated by this awful virus.  We choose to be thankful today!!  

Saturday Shoeboxes and Soccer

 

Bright and early this morning we traveled to Morganton for Preston's soccer game.  We were thrilled that they pulled out a WIN today!  It was a long trip, but worth it for the team to get another W.  To celebrate we stopped by Chick fil A for nuggets on the way home.

After we arrived back in Charlotte we had lunch and then Savannah headed out with her Sunday school group.  Mrs. Poats has been such a blessing and continues to hold these precious girls tight under her wing (especially now that she is an empty nester).  They started at the Dollar Tree where the girls filled two huge carts of goodies to stuff their shoeboxes.  Then it was off to Panera to fill the shoeboxes and enjoy dinner.  They filled a total of 42 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child!! Savannah had such a wonderful time and talked nonstop about how much fun it was to be with her little group again.

Election Day 2020

Well, the big day is finally here . . election day 2020!  I'm not sure if I am more worried about the future of our country or thankful that the calls, texts, e-mails, and other propaganda will finally end.  The kids decided to celebrate with play dates with the absolute favorite friends.  The girls opted for baking at the Marion house and the boys opted to play here together this afternoon.  I love that they can literally spend hours playing together . . no arguing or comments about being bored, just plain old-fashioned playing outside together!

 And to finish off the day, I voted!!!  So thankful for the right and privilege to vote.

 

5th Grade In Person Begins!!!

Today was finally the day Preston was able to return to school in person since March 13!  I'm not sure if he was more excited or anxious, but never the less, he was off for his first day of fifth grade.  It was a great day, although different, he was thankful to be able to see some friends face to face.

Sunday Soccer

 

We were back at it this morning with an early soccer game.  We were SO lucky that the rain stopped after the first game and we just had misty conditions.  It was SO muddy and cold, but we survived!  Savannah decided to come with us this time and served as the family photographer. :)

Unfortunately, the boys lost this game (maybe all of the sluggishness from Halloween candy?) but they still have made such huge improvement with the new coach!

Our photographer loves to take selfies!

Tricks and Treats

 

Our morning started bright and early with an 8am out of town soccer game in Concord.  We left the house before 7am and were on the field before the sun was even up!

Then we raced home for a quick lunch before we headed BACK to Concord for another soccer game.  We were thrilled that the team pulled out a win for the second game!!  We came home and started watching the Clemson game on DVR (although everyone had already checked the score!) and start getting ready for Halloween night.

These two were very ready for some trick or treating!

We had our table and treat bags all set up and ready to go!

Savannah was ready to go with her friend too!  They went solo for an hour or so and then met up with me and Preston to finish the neighborhood treat stations.

Home and ready to head in for the night!

One of the kids' favorite traditions is when they dump out all of the loot and start trading!

It was a super fun-filled Fall day, but we had to call it a day rather early since we're back to Concord for soccer bright and early again tomorrow.

Halloween Station Prep

 

This year our neighborhood decided to set up treat stations instead of encouraging door to door trick or treating.  "We" volunteered to have a table in front of our house and the neighbors near us all donated candy.  Today was the day the kids and I assembled 175 candy packages to hand out this weekend!  We may or may not have indulged in a LOT of preHalloween candy.  oops!