Thanksgiving

This year was the first time in sixteen years that we celebrated Thanksgiving with Todd's family.

Everyone was there minus Todd's sister, LaRee, and her husband, Bob, who live in Maine.

Todd's mom served up a grand feast of Turkey, taters, gravy, veggies, and homemade fruit pies.  We were all stuffed when we were done eating.

Afterwards, all the grandkids pitched in to clean up.  The grand finale of the day was the money jar.

The money jar is an Ells tradition.  All year long, they put all of their loose change into a jar.  After the Thanksgiving feast, the grandkids take turns putting their hand into the jar to see how much money than can pull out in one fist full.  The opening to the jar is fist wide so there is not a lot of room to maneuver around in.  Whatever the kids pull out they can keep.  Ashleigh was the big winner of the evening by pulling out $20 in change. 

It was a nice Thanksgiving.  I miss my family and our traditions but am thankful to be with Todd's family this year and allowing our children to experience these holidays with them.