“What if, today, we are grateful for everything?”- Charlie Brown
There is something about this quote I love. I love Thanksgiving and I love that we spend it in New Jersey every year. Life isn’t roses and butterflies all day everyday, for everyone. Everyone has their own struggles in life. We need to remember there is beauty in every day and every day, there is something to be thankful for.
I have already blogged a few time about our trip to New Jersey which you can see here and here, but this post is all about Thanksgiving day. Starting last year, we started a tradition where we run in the Medford Lakes Turkey Trot with the family. We wake up early, bundle up as the morning is usually freezing, our aunt and uncle drop off a van of cousins and we all meet at the finish line. Last year, I ran the whole 5k pushing Ethan in a jogging stroller. This year, my sister pushed Ethan and I decided to walk it. It was a nice walk where I was able to enjoy some “me” time as everyone ran their best. My husband even ran this race after doing the Philadelphia Marathon just 3 days before it!
After the Turkey trot we all get ready and head over to my aunt and uncle’s house to gather together as family and celebrate the holiday. Our family has grown over the years as babies have entered the world. In 2017, we will have 2 more babies coming to the family. My sister is due in January and I am due in April. It’s so much fun getting to see the kids all together. I love that Ethan is so close to everyone even though we do not see them all the time. The weather was nice. We were able to all be outside a bit, playing catch, taking photos, playing tee ball and chatting before dinner was served.
Every year we take a family photo in the same spot outside. This year my 2nd cousin, Noelle, who is studying photography right now in school took our annual family photo. Next year we will have a family of 4 and I will cherish this family photo forever. Thank you, Noelle, we love it!
Here are a few favorites from Thanksgiving day.
One tradition we started last year was that the day after Thanksgiving, we all head over to Johnson’s Farm for our Santa photos and cookie decorating. This year the cousins got a photo together as well. I just love the set up here and the santa is so awesome! We met up with our friends, Cindy, Tom and their little guy, Brennan for his santa photo…. he wasn’t a fan just yet…. 🙂
Last year, Ethan cried and this year he did great…only we had a hard time getting a smile out of him! He loved getting to try a candy cane after his visit. That was fun to clean up…..
Man do I love these kids! <3
