Oh, Deer!

Both Josh and Keagan had successful deer hunts this year! Finn got to go this year but didn't get to shoot, but next year is his year! Despite that, Finn enjoyed getting in the pictures and being a part of it all. And he is beyond excited to eat the deer sausage sticks.

This boy sees the deer as sausage...

Keagan's faces crack me up!

Thanksgiving Blessings

This Thanksgiving certainly brought a lot of blessings. Mom and Dad and Hannah drove up from Texas to spend the holiday with us. I know it was bittersweet for them because they were supposed to be home and my brother was going to be in town, but Wesley wasn't able to get leave so they decided to make the drive to our crazy crew. While we were sad to miss Wes, we were all so happy to see everyone else. The kids were beside themselves with excitement about their holiday house guests. And Maclyn gave her Grandma and Grandpa new names: MeeMaw and B-Paw, respectively. Haha!!

On Wednesday, Finn and Grandma made an apple pie and a pecan pie. Finn thoroughly enjoyed his role in the process!!

Maclyn really enjoyed the attention that her Aunt Hannah gave her, from painting her toenails to playing Baby Shark.

"Today we are going to have a Feast!"   - Finn Owens, age 6

Thanksgiving day was full of the familiar sights, sounds, and smells that bring my heart so much comfort. I think that is why I love this holiday so much. It is just warm. And I love to share this holiday with family. As the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade played in the background and the cooking began, the kids found things to do to entertain themselves and it usually involved Crew, the new pup of the family. This dog is probably one of the best pups I have ever been around. He is only 7 months old but he is the most well-behaved dog. Crew thoroughly enjoyed the boys and they all enjoyed running and playing and rough-housing outside. I have no pictures of the boys and Crew, but just know that the boys miss the fun their new four-legged friend brought them. He was also so good with Maclyn and Ivy (except for stealing their toys...he loved all their stuff) and Mac just loved Crew back. And when Ivy wasn't laying on her blanket, Crew made sure to keep it warm! It was so funny to watch him lay down on the blanket and play with the baby's toys!!

Time to get the food going!! Lots of help from sweet Ivy!

Ever seen a saute-off?? Me either, but one happened on Thanksgiving Day!

This baby!! She is just so darn adorable, everyone has to hold her!

The food is ready!! And these little turkeys are beyond ready for their feast!!

Check out the turkey! Yummmmy! Josh smoked it this year and it was perfect!

And the rest of my turkeys...

Let's Eat!! But first...the spread and a selfie!

What Hannah looks like when she wakes up from a 3-hour nap after a big meal!

On Friday evening, Grandma got the kids crafting to make ornaments!! They had a big time and we got a lot of laughs! And Maclyn decided craft paint doesn't taste that good.

"Do I have something on my mouth?"  Ivy apparently decided to try napkin for the first time.

Ivy and Aunt Hannah looking at the Christmas tree ornaments! 

We had such a wonderful time with everyone and got a lot of laughs and made some wonderful memories.  My favorite memories may be Maclyn assigning MeeMaw and B-Paw their new names and watching the kids all interact with Crew. But I just love having my family nearby more than anything.