Tales from Mommy Merrill: Reese's first Thanksgiving!

This is truly my favorite time of year! The kick-off to this wonderful season starts with Ronnie's birthday, then our anniversary, followed by Thanksgiving. By the time the holiday gets here, my heart is so full and I just couldn't be more thankful for our family (near and far), friends (near and far), good health and our home. God truly is good and we are so thankful for these things.

This Thanksgiving we were here in Florida for the holiday and enjoyed time with Great Grandma Merrill, Jimmy, Steph (and their one on the way) and Grandma and Grandpa Merrill!

On November 17th, Great Grandma arrived from New York. Can you believe she is 97 (well, as of tomorrow - Dec. 1, actually)?? She flies all the way down here by herself and is as sharp as a tac. I know she struggles with her vision - but I can only IMAGINE the things she would still be doing if she could see as good as she used to.... she truly is unbelievable and we enjoy her being around. Drew is always the first to ask "where's great grandma?" when we get to Grandma's house. He is always so concerned! It is precious.

Steph and Jimmy arrived late on Tuesday the 23rd. The next afternoon they were over to visit - we had dinner at our house and just hung out. It was so much fun! We miss Steph and Jimmy and they are so sweet to the kids. They are going to be awesome parents!

Here is grandma Merrill sneaking in some Reese cuddles!

"Yep - I've got my "active wear" on today...thought about going to the gym but decided to stay home and hang with grandma..." haha.

On Thursday we went over to Grandma and Grandpa Merrills for the big day! Jimmy and Drew are like two peas in a pod. Jimmy loves playing with Drew and their new fun game on this trip was "SPEED ROUND"! Drew gets his golf club and Jimmy places little plastic golf balls on the mat for Drew to hit... and they do as many as they can, as fast as they can. We played this game A FEW times!

Mommy and Reese! This little gobbler was ready for her first Thanksgiving!

Aunt Steph was ready to jump in on the picture and get her hands on this BABY!

Steph is going to be a great mommy -- she had lots of Reese time this trip. Seemed like whenever I said "who has Reese?"... I would catch her with snuggling with Aunt Steph :-)

Jimmy also got his fair share of Reese time -- I would say he is ready for the real thing!

After a super yummy dinner... we were all stuffed so time to get outside before it got too dark. Grandpa Merrill started the fire for us all to enjoy. Reese loved looking at the flames!

Oh, and you can see the tent back there that Grandpa has set up for Drew. They have been talking about sleeping out there -- I can't wait until that happens! There will sure be some good stories....

With all the action and family around, of course Drew wouldn't stay down for a nap. But that didn't stop him from racing mommy, daddy and Jimmy in the backyard that night! Seriously - this kid DOES NOT STOP.

It was SUCH a beautiful evening - we all sat outside to watch football and enjoy the weather.

Grandpa trying to sneak up on Reese... "Oh, I see you Gramps!"

With Great Grandma Merrill's birthday around the corner, of course we had to sing her Happy Birthday! (this is probably Drews favorite song). We ended it with a big hug and kiss!

SO PRECIOUS

Finally time to head home....and this happened almost as we pulled out of the neighborhood....

On Friday evening, Jimmy and Steph stopped by one last time before heading back to DC. Can't believe that next time we see them they will have their own little family. We couldn't be more excited for the Miniers!