Giving Thanks

For Family Home Evening, we decided to create a grateful tree. Ryan created the trunk and branches while Sadie and I cut out leaves for the tree. Every night we would write down something we were thankful for on a leaf and place it on our tree. I think this will become a tradition. It was wonderful to contemplate every single night the things for which we are grateful.

This was our tree at the end of the month.

Ryan's parents came to Utah for Thanksgiving because most of their children are in Utah. We were truly blown away when we got a knock on the door the day before Thanksgiving. It was the best Thanksgiving surprise we could have imagined. Stefanie and Jesse drove their family out without telling anyone so the WHOLE Alkema family could be together! It was so exciting!

We planned on delaying our traditional Turkey dinner to Friday because Ashley had to work Thanksgiving day. Again, the Stouts came to the rescue with a very memorable dinner Thanksgiving day. The brought all the stuff to make Okonomiyaki (a traditional Japanese 'pancake' dish with everything in it but pancake batter. ;) )

This food is labor intensive to make and Jesse was the master of it all. Ryan helped and we even had to borrow some griddles from the church to complete a plate for everyone present.

This food is so divine, my mouth is salivating while I post this.

We don't get to see Grandma and Grandpa very often, it was so wonderful to have a few days with them.

It was so fun to finally meet the newest cousin Kiya. Brittney was getting some good snuggle time in.

Our traditional dinner was moved to the church to accommodate all our wonderful family.

Brittney and Brooklyn

Silly Boston

Mia sat next to Nate and sweetly and gently asked him, "Where's your wife?" I busted up laughing, not yet Mia, not yet.

Grandpa and Dillan are best buds.

It was such a fun "double" Thanksgiving.

We are so blessed to have so many people in our lives that enrich us and support us. We thank our Heavenly Father for such wonderful family!