Five on Friday: Thankful for Thanksgiving 2014

I was a little apprehensive about Thanksgiving this year. We were invited to Daddy O's sister's for dinner in New York City and I figured if we were going to drive there, we were definitely stopping in for visits at the kids' Birth families homes in two nearby cities. I was worried that it was going to be too many stops. I was worried that we'd end up crossing paths with and missing one of the family members. I thought the kids would be bouncing off the walls after a longish car ride followed by visits in three homes that are smaller than they are used to.

But it turned out I had nothing to worry about at all. Here are the top five highlights from our day:

1. Stop #1 at Great Grandma's home: We got to  meet a new (to us!) Great Auntie, we were just as excited to meet her as she was to meet us (and that's a lot). Warm hugs and smiles were plentiful amongst Auntie, Great Auntie, Cousin, Great Grandma, Mom and all seven of us.

2. The kids are so comfortable now at Great Grandma's place, 8 year old E noticed the living room was rearranged for the holiday and asked where the coffee table was. We thought that was kind of odd until we realized what he was really asking was where is the candy dish? (Great Auntie hooked him up.)

3. Stop #2 at Uncle Pop Pop's (http://www.sisterserendip.com/2013/05/a-grandpa-by-any-other-name.html) was another lovely visit. Again open arms, hugs, big smiles and total ease. Kids know where the toys and fish tanks with interesting inhabitants are.

4. A certain Pop Pop who goes by the name of "Uncle" promised some children ice cream on a previous visit so even though they hadn't eaten lunch and we were on our way to a Thanksgiving feast, we let them have ice cream cones. It was a special day after all.

5. Stop #3 at Daddy O's sister's place: the kids continued to be pleasant and well behaved and tried new foods. We got to visit with some family members we hadn't seen in a little too long. Ride home was pleasant (oh and did I mention Daddy O did all of the driving??) and two kids fell asleep on the way. 

We couldn't have asked for a nicer day. 

Getting a little button help from her First Mommy