Thanksgiving day

I started my day with my walk/run this morning. It was so refreshing out because it had rained all night and cleared just before I walked. I love the silence and stillness that comes with rain and with it being a holiday, there was no one out and no cars driving around in the neighborhood either. Silence.

We hadn't planned anything big for today because Chuck had a medical procedure done on Tuesday and mom, yesterday, so we didn't know how everyone was going to be feeling. So, we all went out to Cracker Barrel for lunch. Chuck was in the middle of a project and he decided to stay home and finish, otherwise, he'd only be with us in body and no fun to be around! So, I took the kids. I tried to document our day with pictures so here are a few. This is when we first arrived at mom's. This is me and my mom! Since it has been raining on and off for two days, I had to go curly today. No way am I taking time to blow dry my hair straight for it to start curling back up in rain! Ugh!
My boys love going to Cracker Barrel if, for no other reason, to play checkers. Why they won't play them together at home, I don't know. Guess it's the novelty of it.
No traditional Thanksgiving food for me this year. I went for country comfort! Turnip greens, beans, okra, and cornbread! And it was delicious!
Here I am with my boys after eating. I had to hold Max's hand to try and keep him from giving me bunny ears! He's such a stinker!
I cropped this photo in a bit so you can see this necklace I am wearing. It's one of my most favorite handmade gifts anyone has ever given me. A fellow artist, Sue Trump (blogless Sue) made this for me. It is knitted and beaded! I swear this little tiny purse was knitted with toothpicks! It's exquisite! I am so honored that she put so much work into such a special gift for me! I will always treasure it!Poor Sam, with his light eyes, he's soooo light sensitive. He just couldn't keep them open!

I really like this picture of mom and my step-dad, Fred. They look so happy here. You can't tell that mom really didn't feel so well. She's a good faker, but I know better. Since Chuck didn't get to join us for lunch, I got him food to go. He ended up coming over to my mom's for a while later in the afternoon so, he didn't totally miss out on the day. In this photo, you can really see the personalities of my two boys coming out loud and clear. Just look at Max trying to hard to get bunny ears on Sam!
PaPa loves to pick on my boys. I love the silliness but it sure get's the boys all fumed up!
This, THIS is one of my most favorite things to do. Kinda' blurry picture but... oh well... My mom and step-dad are big Scrabble players. Here's my winning board:
This is my favorite game to play and unfortunately, my boys usually occupy my mom's time with little break but Fred and I usually go head to head for hours playing one game after another. Today, we only got in two games because I also did haircuts for mom, Fred, and Chuck.
Those of you who didn't know me before kids might not know that was my passion for about 15 years. I retired when I was a month away from giving birth to Sam. Hairdressing was my creative passion for a long time and I still enjoy cutting hair. Just a whole different medium to work with!(Fran, if you are reading this, I'm thinkin' you are due for a cut too, right? I always seem to do all the family and you within the same week!)

Mom taught Sam to play Chinese Checkers, one of her favorite childhood games.Then, it was time to get the boys home and in bed. It's been a fun day. Very relaxing! I hope all of you had a wonderful, relaxing day with those you love.