A Grateful Heart

As a quick follow-up to the previous post, the Tooth Fairy's first visit yielded a deposit into Katelyn's 529 college savings account. What a smart fairy! She also had a follow up appointment today with the dentist and the gums are healing well, which is good news.

On Thanksgiving morning, we traveled to Lake Carroll, IL to see Jason and Cassie. Debbie and Jennifer made the trip from Tennessee as well. We had a great time together catching up, telling stories, and laughing!

On our way there, someone wanted to take the car for a spin (yes the car is parked). They grow up so fast, don't they?! 

Our little turkey hanging out with Grandma Debbie on Thanksgiving.

Aunt Cassie and Katelyn looking at pictures.

Katelyn and Uncle Jason lounging on the couch.

Daddy and daughter - getting ready to head out to lunch.

The whole crew at lunch - Michael, Jason, Cassie, Jennifer, Debbie, Missy, and Katelyn. Whoever sat next to Katelyn also got the honor of playing "repeatedly-pick-up-all-of-her-toys-as-she-drops-them-over-the-high-chair" - this is her new favorite game :)

All of us in front of the fireplace at the restaurant. Katelyn wanted to drop more toys on the floor instead of get her picture taken!

On Saturday, we helped Jason and Cassie pick out their Christmas tree at the local tree farm. It was a bright, albeit cold, day so we enjoyed the sunshine, some hot cider, and the scent of evergreens! We must've done a good job of keeping Katelyn cozy because she slept through most of the excursion (she still loves to cuddle and take naps on our chests.)

Family photo at the tree farm. Here was last year's photo at the same location. (Malone didn't make the trip this year; instead he played with his puppy pals at the PetsHotel in Maple Grove.) 

Sleepy girl. (I'd like to know where I could get some lashes like that...)

Jason, Debbie, and Jennifer on the hunt for the perfect tree.

Jen, Cassie, and Jason hauling "the one" to the car. Mission accomplished!

Jen relaxing after cutting down the tree!

Cass and Kate

Jason and Katelyn high-fiving

Uncle Jason lets Katelyn get away with a lot more than she does at home! (Little hands on the keyboard... and ahem, is that a Budweiser?!)

Grandma Debbie got Katelyn the cutest little talking/singing puppy. Here they are exploring it together.

Time for bed. Here's Katelyn looking over the balcony to wish everyone a final goodnight!

We had wonderful weekend celebrating with family. Thanks, Jason and Cassie, for hosting us. We're so thankful for all the blessings in our lives and of course family tops the list. This time of year always reminds me of one of my favorite sayings: a grateful heart is a happy heart. (And it's true! Give it a try :)