Thanksgiving 2011 Recap

So my everyday blogging goal obviously didn't pan out, what with the sickness and utter sleep deprivation. But we have pulled through, barely, and made the most of this wonderful holiday even with a few 'ears down' as dad would say.

After Zane and I's day of sickness and cuddling on Tuesday Zane appeared to be feeling better on Wednesday. He was a little emotional, but napped well and didn't seem to be feeling to bad. We spent all day Wednesday baking, two pies, and we made the famous Dotter cheese ball to take down to the Korenak Thanksgiving in S.E.M.O. Zach got off work a little early so we were on the road by 4:30, all seemed great at this point. Who knew that Zane would refuse to sleep that night and we would end up being awake literally all night. I think all and all we got around 3 hours of sleep, after a few 30 minutes stretches of sleep here and there. Not a good way to start your Thanksgiving.

Needless to say we didn't wake up Thursday morning feeling to grateful, so much as exhausted. I didn't get to watch any of the parade, we had gone down for naps by that point in the morning. I know it is cliche, but I usually love the parade, all the same floats and balloons as when I was a child. It reminds me of when we would sit around the house, watching the parade, until it was time to go to whatever Thanksgiving events we had planned as children. But this year the nap was much more important. I'll catch the Rockettes next year.

Once we had napped we were all feeling a little better and ready for the feast. It was just our family, Trina, JR, and her kids, and Mike and Amy. It was a delicious lunch, with all the classics, Turkey, mash potatoes, gravy (my personal favorite part), and all the other tasty Thanksgiving must haves. We had lunch conversation questions from a list Amy found in a magazine, which made for some interesting conversations. For example did you know my mother in law's first job was as a vest inspector in down town St. Louis. She worked with Italian men, who she said were "pinchers" and one of whom proposed to her in an attempt to get a green card. Fun fact! I didn't have any ground breaking stories to tell, but it made fun dinner conversation.

The rest of the day was spent playing, grazing, and trying to catch up on sleep for our clan. Zane loves playing with his cousins and his cousins thoroughly enjoy him as well. Adeline was being a wonderful little mommy, but I did have to tell her at one point to think long and hard before having children. She couldn't understand why I would say that, but good advice to live by none the less. Zane and Levi are basically the same size, but Levi is a year older than Zane. It makes for some interesting play sessions with the two of them. They are super cute. Here they are chilling in Papa's chair and playing with the stuffed turkey, which was a big hit at this years celebration.

We attempted a classic cousin's picture, which is always an adventure here it he best we could get. Not bad for five kids if you ask me. We lucked out with Zane being sick or he would have never sat still long enough to get a picture.

After giving up and letting Zane sleep with us we did get some more sleep and today we headed home early in hopes that Zane would sleep in the car. Of course he only slept for about forty five minutes of the two and half hour drive, but we needed to get home and try to re-cooperate before I have to head to work this weekend.

Hopefully everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving with their families. We are truly blessed with wonderful family and friends. Happy Thanksgiving!