A Time to be Thankful

One of the first things I was thankful for this Thanksgiving was the fact my parents came to Florida to help us celebrate in Melbourne like they do every year. Its harder for them now that my brother and I live in different states and David has one up on me now that he has a "little one". I sweetly reminded my parents that they would be with David's family for Christmas this year and that seemed to convince them to come (sorry David :) )

Our Thanksgiving isn't like most others' Thanksgivings. I can't remember the last time I actually sat around a table inside to carve the turkey and each family member list something for which they are thankful. However, I would not trade my celebration for any other.

We had 40+ people this year in Melbourne, Florida, each of us bringing a dish (mine was green bean casserole). We made a buffet table in Aunt Brenda's covered patio, loaded up our plates and sat outside at tables that had been set up on the back lawn (40 acres worth maybe?).

My great Uncle Ralph and my beautiful parents.

My mom's parents: Grandma and Grandpa

After we ate dinner, people played horseshoes and shot off a potato gun into the woods of my Aunt Brenda and Uncle Ron's property. After most of the extended family had left, it was time to head next door to my grandparents' house to play some bluegrass. My mom talked me into bringing my guitar this year even though I'm not that experienced. Uncle Butch (our ringleader) and the others graciously let me join. Most of them just play by ear, so I just tried to catch on. After a good run of "Rolling in my Sweet Baby's Arms" "Will the Circle be Unbroken" "9 lb. Hammer" and a good many others, it was time to head back to Orlando.

With me, our circle was made up of 3 generations!

The "choir"

Our family has so much to be thankful for, but that night, I was most thankful for Brent driving home so that I could relax!