Thanksgiving weekend

Now that Kate is at college, there are many times where confusion crosses our faces. We need a table for 8, no 7:( There was the realization that when a kitchen chair broke it was fine because it left us with 7 instead of 8. When we gather for family prayer it takes us a second to realize that we don't have an 8th person to wait for. The only time its not a problem is with the extra brownie;)

But for sure the one thing that we couldn't do with only 7 was go Christmas tree hunting. So with Kate was home for Thanksgiving off we went to our favorite spot. 

 However the very little snow in our usual hunting spot was a bit of a let down. The sleds and the gloves went unused in the back of the car. But it didn't keep these beautiful people from looking their best in their winter gear.

There was a lot of discussion about the size of the tree this year. I thought it needed to be tiny because of the spot I had planned for it. But Jeff and Anne Marie were determined, and maybe had a little premonition, that a bigger one would be fine. And it was, I moved some furniture around and we found a lovely place for it right in front of the window. Charlie also decided that it was his turn to put the angel on the tree. I don't think he realized that included a prime photo op. Gone are the days of dad lifting him up to reach the top. *sigh*

One of the things on our list to do while Kate was here was to hike Manastash Ridge. Its one of our favorite things to do, hers mine and Jeff's. The other kids are so so about it, so we let them sleep Saturday morning while the three of us went.

And last but not least, my first church selfie with my girl. She sat next to me all through church, just like when she was little, snuggled up and happy next to her mama. It was wonderful to have her in Sunday School and Relief Society with me. There are a few perks to her being an adult now:)

I am so grateful that my whole family was back together for the weekend. Its the little things that I really miss about having her here all the time: her relationship with her siblings, the way she does the dishes without me saying anything, the hugs, OH the hugs!! Kate gives such good hugs. So now the countdown til Christmas vacation and we are all together for 2 1/2 weeks! Bless my little heart but its good to be a mom. Happy Thanksgiving!!