We had a fun Thanksgiving weekend full of family, fun, and the start of Christmas traditions. I am linking up with Heather, Lindsay, and Johannah to say Hello Monday!

We started our Thanksgiving weekend with a half day on Wednesday. The boys and I ran a bunch of errands as fast as week could. They were troopers as we dashed through the grocery store, post office, Turkey Trot packet pick up, Hoffmans 🍦, a friend’s house, the dry cleaners, and the bank.

On Thursday morning, we woke up to FREEZING temperatures. We bundled up and headed out to the Turkey Trot. I love our Turkey Trot tradition. Jack was counting and this was our 5th Turkey Trot together.

After finishing the run, we headed over to my parents’ house to warm up and spend the day. My aunt and uncle were already there and my cousin arrived with his wife and twins very shortly after that. We watched the parade like every year! The kids were so excited to see the balloons and different singers. We had fun naming the turkey, McGillicuddy, and hanging out.

A little later, my aunt and her family arrived. Then we were set. 18 of us ready to have a great time! We laughed and played games until dinner time.

I love that my mom always has everyone at one table. It can be a tight squeeze, but its always better to be together. After dinner, our family jumps right into Christmas mode. My mom gave Jack and Luke their Christmas pjs. Annie FaceTimed us from Florida and we opened our Christmas season shirts – the Columbia Inn in Pine Tree, Vermont. This movie holds a very special spot in the heart of our family. We didn’t stick around for the annual showing of White Christmas but I was exhausted and we had an early start the next morning. Don’t worry, I am watching it as I type.

On Friday, Jack had a basketball tournament. They lost both games, but the games were so close! He played well and had a good time. Jeff is the coach and its fun to watch him get back in the saddle. Jeff was a high school basketball coach for years and I cheered his team on at most games.

Luke and the other little siblings had a blast during the game. They created a jump rope with their sweatshirts and jumped for half the game.

After the game, Jeff and Jack went over to a friend’s house to watch the Tiger vs. Phil golf match. Luke and I went back to my parents’ house to hang with our family. Luke is just a year older than the twins and they have so much fun together. They crafted, ran around, and played some games with bunches of giggles.

We woke up to a winter weather advisory on Saturday for sleet. Yuck! It was the perfect weather to start Christmas decorating. Jeff pulled everything down from the attic while I was at work on Wednesday so we could get started.

Jack had another basketball game and then we had dinner plans with my family. If we are in town, we always make reservations to watch the Electric Lights parade. There is a restaurant on Main Street in my parents’ town that has a slightly elevated dining room. It’s perfect for watching the parade in freezing cold weather. Unfortunately due to the rainy weather, the parade was cancelled.

Sunday was a go, go, go day. I had to run to my parents’ house so I met Jamie to run. It was a great way to start my busy day. After we finished, I headed back to town. I had some returns to make and took advantage of Jeff being home with the boys. Errands are so much easier alone.

When I got home it was Christmas decoration day. I put the lights on our Christmas tree and must have put them a little closer than last year because I needed another strand of lights. This made me pretty happy until it took me THREE trips to Home Depot throughout the day to find the correct lights.

I put our front porch and 1st floor roof lights up. Then I recruited Jack and Luke to help me wrap the railings on the back deck. Jeff put up our star shine projector and I was thrilled. All we have left to do is the 2nd floor roof with the help of my neighbor and the swing set.

All in all, we put up 5 trees and decorated them all today. We all have one in our bedrooms, one in the living room, and one in the family room. We decorated in the kitchen, family room, front hall, and living room.

I had chicken and my homemade taco seasoning in the crockpot. Thank goodness, because I did not have much time to pull together an elaborate dinner. I shredded the chicken and made taquitos, one of our family favorites.

I finally sat down around 8:30 to watch 60 Minutes with Jeff. We have a five day week this week and I headed to bed a little earlier than usual last night.

I hope you’ll join me tomorrow to hear about some Christmas things I am loving – gifts, books, clothing, and fun! Have a great day full of sunshine and books!!

☀️ 📚 😎