Happy Thanksgiving! What a year it has been. Like any other year, there were ups and downs. The kids grew, are talking more, are becoming more independent, and have more personality than ever. Honestly, they crack me up! Knock knock jokes are a big thing in our house lately – and I love it. If you are looking for a great one – give this a try!

You: Knock knock

Kid: Who’s there?

You: Bed

Kid: Bed who?

You: Better get to bed – right now!

Both: Ahahahahahaha!

Ok…that might have been a silly tangent, but it was so worth it. My 4 year old thinks that one is too funny! 🙂 Anywho – back to what the year has been like…

Just over a year ago, my grandma Eleanor passed away. She had a long life, lived it well, and was very loved. Last Thanksgiving was our first holiday without her (although I know she was keeping an eye on us from heaven). I made her famous rice crispy treats, mandarine orange Jello salad, and turkey casserole. The only thing I didn’t make was her lemon bars (I need to learn how). Grandma was a great cook and an amazing person. She was the cutest person in the world. She liked her coffee super hot, she always checked her receipts before leaving the store (very good at math), she had a strong love for pink and purple, she could harmonize beautifully, she loved going to church, had amazing taste in neck scarves, and loved her family to pieces. We miss her terribly, and I think of her even more around this time of the year.

Other events from the last year include selling our house (we are still house hunting…arg), moving to a new neighborhood that we absolutely love, sending the kids to a new preschool, and our big trip to Hawaii. Phew! It has been busy, and there are no signs that things are going to slow down. There is no perfect year…there is no perfect family…but I am so Thankful for the imperfect life I am living.

Each year brings new loss, new challenges, and new things to overcome. It also brings new life, new love, and things to be grateful for. This Thanksgiving, try to do something new as a family. For my family, I am surprising the kids with new board games. At ages 2 and 4, I had to look for games that I know they can both play and enjoy. My goal is to make this Thanksgiving all about family time. Yes, we will be eating lots of yummy food together, but it’s the quality time I want most for the kids. The memories we’ll make laughing and being silly together.

I’ve put together a short list of ways you can spend Thanksgiving together as a family, that doesn’t even involve food. Take a gander and look for something new to do.

1. Play board games as a family. I’ve included the ones I found to play with my littles ones below.
2. Do a fun craft. Click HERE for details on how to make a beautiful Fall leaf wreath for your window or door.
3. Service. Giving back is a wonderful way to celebrate any day of the year. So many organizations are always looking for help. Nursing homes are a wonderful place to volunteer because many of the residents don’t have family to visit them. Bringing your family in to cheer them up with stories, games and laughs is a fantastic and easy way to give back.
4. Go on a neighborhood adventure. Look up a new park or place near by and walk there (if you can). Being outdoors and going on an adventure as a family is fun and exciting.
5. Get comfy, make a fort and watch movies! There are so many family friendly holiday movies out there. What a fun way to watch them as a family from the comfort of your own blanket fort! Building it is half the fun! Turning the lights down and snuggling up for a movie is the other half.