I'm attempting to write this during an intense football game and a full stomach, so bare with me guys. Today has been nothing short of blissful and heartwarming. As I've mentioned in lots of other posts, this was my first Thanksgiving back home since 2010, and it was nothing short of what I thought it would be. We did get a late start with our turkey prep this year (we forgot to thaw it correctly), but we were able to put the turkey in a sink full of water all night and that did the trick. My parents came over bright and early to help us get a head start on cooking all of our side dishes... this actually turned into my parents cooking pretty much everything. I loved it, but at the same time, I felt a little bad. Each and every time my parents come over they always cook and tidy up my house! The kicker? They do this while spending time with Ava bug.

It is a rare occasion that absolutely nothing is required from me. so I do appreciate when I get time to really relax. As I enjoyed the company of my family, Justin somehow suckered us all into watching three full games of football today. I honestly didn't mind it all too much because after four years you'd think that'd I'd know that my husband eats. breaths. lives for football. I think it's safe to say that we all ate way more than we probably should have. Justin made his Nana's chocolate pie, and that was a huge hit. It was so fun watching my baby girl eat her first Thanksgiving foods this year. Watching her indulge in all the yummy food really made me realize how grown up she is getting on us. This time last year, Ava was barely a pro at purees. I'm glad she wasn't picky with anything either! That was a definite bonus.

Aside from family, food, and football I got some "cyber sale" shopping done for Christmas gifts. I'm trying to be thoughtful and as inexpensive as possible with gifts this year. We literally move within the first two weeks of January and there are so many things I want to do to our new place. I plan on painting Ava's bedroom, our bedroom, and potentially an accent wall in our new living room. More on the moving later, as I'm almost positive I haven't updated my readers on that situation quite yet. I think that pretty much wraps up our Thanksgiving. It was exactly what we needed. I even saw on the news that we might be getting hit with snow in our area on Saturday?! How magical will that be? I can't wait to build a snowman (zero Frozen puns here) with my baby girl and her daddy. Last year Ava got a little taste of it, but this year she'll actually be able to play and enjoy the snowy season.

What did some of my readers do to celebrate Thanksgiving? Does your family have any special traditions you do? I'd love to hear from you in the comments below or by email!

Happy Thanksgiving all!

♥- Leilani

Breathing

Today has been the best day I've had all week. Best isn't really the right word, more like today is the first day I haven't cried. Today I woke up being thankful instead of being filled with guilt. Even with all that's going on right now, I'm trying to sort through the positives my life offers me. My mother, man she truly is a trooper. Here I am weeping for her, but she has yet to weep for herself. All she wants is her family near her. This time of year is for family and I'm praying that we will soon be with her! Okay, I promised myself I'd write a semi-happy post today, so here we go! As of last night, I started listening to Christmas music. If you know me, you'd know this usually starts in August for me. I love Christmas. I love the holidays. I love the tradition. It uplifts my spirit in ways that I can't even explain. To make things better having Miss Ava here just takes my spirit to mountain tops of happiness. I've been focusing a lot on this season. What traditions my little family will choose to do.

Decorate our house in Halloween decor

carve pumpkins

roast pumpkin seeds

get dressed up and pass out Halloween candy (until our kids are old enough to go trick or treating)

bust out the Autumn decor

Attend parades (especially if we are in Washington)

Football is a given 

Possibly volunteer at a soup kitchen (not sure with Ava being so small)

I also want to try a new breakfast/appetizer this year. Who knows, Justin may love it so much, we can continue doing it every year. 

BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPING

Snagging a real, pine Christmas tree!

decorate the tree the day after black Friday. Hot cider/hot cocoa the works AND allow the Christmas music to commence

Christmas Music the entire month!

Hang up our wreaths and lights around the house 

Get Christmas photos taken and then send them out

Have a Christmas movie night with Kettle popcorn (home alone is a classic)

Read Ava Twas the night before Christmas... every night for the entire month

Zoo lights!

Add a new ornament to the tree for another year Justin and I have been together

Go caroling? (Far fetched for Justin)

Church is a given (if we are in Washington)

I think some of my other ideas for Christmas could be:

• Make gingerbread houses
• Drive around the neighborhood to see houses decorated with lights for Christmas
• Christmas countdown calendar (especially when Ava is older)
• PJ day! Have the family wear the same PJ's for Christmas morning

I know traditions are just something new you try with your family that ends up being a big hit. We have plenty of time to add on traditions. Christmas is by far my favorite holiday, and this year is even more special for me. 

That's all for now. I've got to start on dinner for this evening and dessert. Cooking new recipes has been very calming for me. I know my husband doesn't mind, he gets to try all new, yummy foods! Enjoy your Saturday All! Hold your loved ones!