GoBbLe!!! gObBLe!!!

Our family celebrated Thanksgiving w/ Mike's mom's side of the family this year. We all gathered at St. Augustine's Church in St. Cloud. Their side of the family is rather large, and because Mike's uncle (Father Jerry) is a priest they have access to churches for their reunion style gatherings. This was their 25th Thanksgiving Day feast!
Over 60 family members were able to come this year and this made the whole family happy. Coloring sheets, a gym full of balls, and the annual white elephant prize drawing kept the kids entertained. Lilly enjoyed coloring with her Uncle Rick, while Nolan and Ben wore off their turkey dinners in the gym.

Everyone won a prize before going home. Nolan was a lucky winner. A Harry Potter hat, large pencil, and Sabre paw mittens were things he chose to take home. Lilly has been talking about the drawing since we left. She still can't believe "everyone" won something. She even asked if the kitchen helpers were winners too. I had to smile and tell her that those "kitchen helpers" were part of the family. :) She came home with a Snoopy dog, light-up wand, and a mini nativity set. Mike told the kids that he remembers winning prizes when he was little too. It was a highlight for him then and continues to be a fun tradition for everyone.

Lilly and I enjoyed visiting with everyone. Mike was happy to see his aunts, uncles and cousins too. My grandma joined us as well...she couldn't be happier about the family I married in to. Even though there were so many people present, you felt like you belonged.

The magic of a turkey dinner!

I know Mike felt thankful for his nap, cuddle time with his daughter,

and a wonderful afternoon with his family.

Happy Thanksgiving!