It was also our first Thanksgiving as a family of 3! We had such a wonderful day filled with laughter and good food! Our original Thanksgiving plans were changed last minute because Jake's Grandpa ended up having surgery last night (he's doing much better!) so we were able to celebreate Turkey Day with some very special friends from our church instead! They had pity on our little family with no where to go (except White Castle's-don't ask, that's a whole different story!) so they invited us to share the day with them! I did my best to chronicle Crista's day in pictures, but this little gal is on the go and is really hard to take pictures of!
This is Crista's Thanksgiving...
Crista slept in (praise God!) until 8am! She hasn't done that in a LONG time! She wasn't sure why I was taking pictures so early in the morning, but I told her it was her first Thanksgiving...then she got into the spirit!
"This is my first Thanksgiving people!"
"Did someone mention food?!"
After Crista woke up, we let her get into bed with us for a little while...
except someone didn't leave me any room! Jake thought it was funny!
Snuggling in bed together. Does life get any better??!!
Then it was on to breakfast. We very rarely give Crista anything with sugar in it, but today was a special day so we all ate blueberry danishes! They were good!!
Next, it was playtime. Crista loves her doll stroller but hardly ever will you see an actual doll in there. She pushes around her sippy cup and pocketbook, sometimes Lovie gets a ride too!
All playing stopped, though, when the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade came on. Crista was mesmerized by it! This is how she watched most of it...
I did try to sit her in her chair! She just didn't stay there for long!
This is what Crista wore today.
"Aw, come on, Mama. The hat, really?"
When we got to the Starbuck's home, Crista kinda got quiet. She wouldn't even eat her lunch-that's a first!
But it sure didn't take her long to warm up to everyone!
She found lots of people to play with her!
Crista finally got hungry mid afternoon. Since there wasn't a kid's table (Crista was the only little kid there), she decided to create one of her own!
"What's this?"
"I like it!"
"What did you say? Turkey as in 'gobble gobble'?"
"Oh well, if that's how we celebrate!"
PS-This was Crista's first taste of turkey!
After eating her lunch, she did what any grateful guest would do, help with the dishes!
Then it was on to a nice game of Eucher (hope I spelled it right!). For those of you not in Indiana, its pronounced "you ker" and its an Indiana thing. I've lived here over 5 years now and I still don't understand the game!
Crista didn't have any trouble picking up the game! Must've been her lucky beads!
By this time in the day, it was about 2 1/2 hours past Crista's naptime. I asked if she wanted to go night-night and she nodded "Yes!" So I told her to give daddy a kiss...
and go lay down on the couch with Glenna.
NOT!!!
"Just kidding Mama! This party is too much fun!"
"I've got playing to do!"
"And movies to watch!"
"And lands to explore!"
I'm not the only one with a camera! Crista loves to see her pictures after we take them!
"Oh, Ronnie! You're so funny! You make me laugh!"
After saying our goodbyes, we headed home to put our little one in bed. Its 7pm at this point and she STILL hasn't taken a nap!
When we get home, we remember that we have our first Christmas present to open! Another family in our church had a tradition with their family that after the Thanksgiving Day meal, everyone gets to open their first Christmas present! We reallly like this tradition!! We let Crista open the gifts, and she really knew what to do this time!
Crista received a Little Bear Bible. She loved it and wanted to read it right away!
Side Note: Crista has learned recently to say "OOOOHHH!" when she's excited! You can tell that's what she's saying here!
Jake and I received a musical Joseph, Mary, & Baby Jesus. Crista LOVED this and kept wanting us to play the music again. She just stared at it saying, "Baby! Baby!"
Again, saying "OOOOHHH!"
With all the excitement of the day coming to a close, we had no trouble getting Crista to bed! Sweet dreams little one!!
What a wonderful first Thanksgiving we had together as a family! Crista was a dream and Jake and I couln't believe how well behaved and happy she was without a nap! We have certainly been blessed with our precious Crista! And that is what we're thankful for this holiday season-a beautiful and bright daughter that brings joy and meaning to our lives. Thank you, Jesus, for the gift of family!!
