LEFTOVERS, USED CREATIVELY

THANKSGIVING MEANS GIVING THANKS !

"How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?" I Thessalonians 3:9

"I will give thanks to the Lord because of His righteousness" Ps. 7:17

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" II Cor. 9:15

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17

"You clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever." Ps. 30:12

"Let us come before Him with thanksgiving and extol Him with music and song." Ps. 95:2

"Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise:
give thanks to Him and praise His name.
For the Lord is good and His love endures forever;
His faithfulness continues through all generations." Ps. 100:4-5

THE CHRISTMAS CARD PHOTO SHOOT

The twins are getting in the mood for smiling.

Of the many shots that Nate and Adam took of the lovely Olson family, this is my favorite.
Willa, Kelly, Eric, Bill, and Luke.

And here are the talented sock puppeteers who stood behind the cameras, trying to make sure that Kelly and Bill smiled for the picture.

A baby sock puppet.

THANKSGIVING ON THE EAST COAST

Immediately following the Sunday matinee and Strike/Pizza Party, we climbed into a FULLY loaded van and drove all night to Amy and Nate's in State College, Pennsylvania. We spent Monday and Tuesday at their house, and then loaded up again (this time with Amy and Nate as well) and drove to Kelly's house in New York. Along the way, I realized that I hadn't taken any pictures so far, so rectified the situation by composing this fascinating still life: "Bananas on the Dash".

At Kelly's, we had a great time eating, playing games, eating, visiting, eating, smiling at babies, eating, doing crafts, eating (you get the idea). Amy designed and superintended the craft time. Eric is having fun putting together his turkey.

Joel helped Glory.

Anna and the King of Turkeys (we've been reviewing too many musicals.)

Joy and her turkey friend.

One Turkey . . .

. . . Four Turkeys . . .

. . . More Turkeys.

BABIES ! !

The twins were a primary attraction. Nate and Willa have a heart to heart discussion.

And here we have two finely matched sets.

Kelly and Luke, aren't they lovely.

The cheese ball was another primary attraction.

FOOTBALL

One of the guys' Thanksgiving Traditions is watching a little football.

Or not watching.

But they all enjoy playing some football. This year's "Turkey Bowl" was a very competitive event.

I think there should be a flag on this play (maybe holding or something?)

THE ANNUAL "TURKEY BOWL"

That's an awfully lot of long legs.

Hold 'em

THE THANKSGIVING FEAST

Nate, Amy, and John

Adam, Joel, and Josiah

Kelly, Bill, and Willa

And Dessert.

AFTER DINNER ACTIVITIES

Anna, Eric, and Nathanael snuggle in for one of Keith's famous bed-time stories. They really are fantastic.

Downstairs, we had two tables of "42" going.

"42" is a Texas domino game that goes back for generations, and is an extremely memorable part of any family get together.

STRIKE AND PIZZA PARTY

Glory became very attached to Maggie during the run of the show. She formed her own "Maggie Moore Fan Club".

Enjoying pizza together.

The Movers, Shakers, and Wranglers. Fantastic Can-Do People: Martina Bauer, Theresa Wegner, and Judy Jepsen.

Joel isn't truly comfortable unless he is behind a keyboard of some form, even to eat pizza.