Happy Thanksgiving!

We had Thanksgiving at our house again this year.  It's become a tradition that I really enjoy.  We're able to mix my family and Brad's family and our "adopted family" very nicely! 

Kylie and I started the day with the 2nd annual Bainbridge Island Turkey Trot 5k run.  Another tradition I enjoy!  No snow this year, thank goodness! 

Coming down the final stretch!  We stuck together for the first mile or so, then Kylie took off and ended up beating me by a few minutes.

I was happy with my time, though, and it felt great to get a run in before the big feast.

After the race, Kylie joined Brad and Ben and many others for a pick up game of soccer, and I went home to start cooking.  Jillian and I had made pumpkin and apple pies the night before, so we had plenty of time to cook the turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, herbed yams, and gravy.  Everyone brought side dishes to round out the meal.

Fortunately Mariann (our adopted crazy aunt) loves to take pictures so we actually have some from dinner.

Grandma Susan, Grandpa Tom, and Kylie

Jane, Ashley, & Brandon

Grandma Vikki and Alicia

Jillian getting seconds (or is it thirds???)

Me and Brad

Nate & Jimmy

Grandpa Tom, Jillian, Kylie, Mariann, Ozzie, Izaac, & Ben

Ozzie is a party animal!

He's checking to see if I'll give him some more!

After dinner we played a rousing round of "The Game of Things," and then ate pie until we fell into a collective coma.  Another successful Thanksgiving!  It has been an interesting year, lots of challenges and times for growth, and so many things to be thankful for.  I'm especially thankful for my family, all of them...my immediate family, extended family, "adopted family," and friends who feel like family. Without their love and support, it would be awfully difficult to make it through this crazy journey of life.