Pirates and Petunias: Thanksmas

This year is an "In-Laws Christmas" year for the Moon family, so we all made sure to be home at Mom and Dad's for Thanksgiving. We decided as long as we were all there and wouldn't see each other for Christmas, we may as well exchange a few gifts and do our annual Yankee Swap.

Now my children think that they get presents for Thanksgiving and are apparently announcing it to all their friends (as I was informed by a certain young man's first-grade teacher).

We had a close call and almost had to miss the whole thing. The day before Thanksgiving, Libby woke up with a fever and what was obviously an ear infection. (Here's something I'm thankful for: Children who are old enough to say, "Hey, Mom, my ear hurts." No more guessing whether or not to take the baby to the doctor!) After I called and got her an appointment with the pediatrician, I came downstairs to find Adam with "that look" on his face. I know "that look" by now. It says, "SINUS INFECTION!" So Adam got to come along to see the doctor, too. And Dr. Mom was right: Ear infection for Libby and sinus infection for Adam. Since both kids were running temperatures on Wednesday, we didn't know if we'd get to go be with everyone the next day for Thanksgiving -- can't be too careful with a new baby in the mix. Fortunately the antibiotics started doing their jobs quickly, and we were able to go (with Adam and Libby under strict instructions to stay away from Claire).

Honestly, I thought we were past this. I mean, my kids are the oldest grand kids. Isn't it supposed to be the babies and the toddlers who have the penchant for getting sick at the holidays? I was so sure we'd outgrown this. Guess it just proves my axioms: It's Not Christmas Until... (Here's another thing I'm thankful for: Timing. So much better to be at the pediatrician's the day before Thanksgiving than in the ER the day of!)

Is it Thanksgiving or Christmas? It's Thanksmas!

(Thankful for generous aunts and uncles who gave our children such thoughtful gifts!)

The Moon grandchildren: The count is up to 6!

(Oh, so thankful for these little lives)

Andrew could hardly wait to meet new cousin Claire

(Thankful that my little boy loves babies oh. so. much.)

The oldest and youngest Moon grandchildren

(Thankful I got to spend most of the day holding this sweet, sweet baby)

Aunt Whitney and Cate

(Thankful for Cate's funny little be-bopping personality. What a sweet little clown she is!)

Uncle Jordan with Libby and Mary Caroline

(Thankful that Uncle Jordan genuinely loves kids!)

We couldn't decide if these were supposed to be Indian headdresses or turkey feathers. Either way, they crack. me. up.

(Thankful for the friendship blooming between these two. MC went home referring to Libby as "my best friend Libby." This mama's prayers are being answered!)

The men outside hard at work ~~drinking beer~~ frying the turkey

(Thankful for kind, hard-working dads, uncles, and grandfathers!)

The kids' Thanksgiving coffee table. If you're thinking it looks like a Dexter kill scene what with the shower curtain taped to the floor and the coffee table completely covered in a vinyl tablecloth and duct tape...I agree. (Mom got a new rug and wasn't taking any chances!)

(Thankful that no blood -- or food! -- was spilled this Thanksgiving!)