Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving 2014 was probably the most relaxing big holiday we have had in some time.  It may have been because we enjoyed TWO Thanksgiving meals.  It may have been because both meals included turkey AND ham.  It may have been because the two chilluns were very well-behaved.  However, it was most likely due to the fact that we were able to visit with the Binggelis and the Petersens without having to rush from one to the other or feel like we are missing out on something somewhere.  

We were able to have a fun night visiting with the Binggeli's on Thanksgiving Eve.  Five of the 6 Binggeli siblings were in town.  We were only missing Alicia and Stacy.  Joesy, our newest niece, is super cute!  All the kids love harassing Uncle Jason.  The food was good and we decorated sugar cookies.  The most exciting news of the night was that Jarrell and Whytnee announced the arrival of an 8th Binggeli grandchild sometime next July!

On Thursday, the actual day of Thanksgiving, James had to work.  James has had to work parts of many holidays given the nature of being a nurse.  However, with his last job, he sometimes had morning visits and was able to have a lighter day and spend some of the holiday with us.  His new UNI job doesn't have that flexibility.  He works Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, regardless of whether the days fall on holidays or not.  This year, we'll miss him on both Thanksgiving and Christmas.  It's ok, though.  Like I said, it comes with the job.  

My mom was hosting the Petersen Family Thanksgiving at her house this year.  We got to help a little bit with the set up and preparation.  The kids were well-behaved and just hung out while we got stuff ready.  The meal was delicious and I think everyone had a nice time.  Everyone in my dad's family was there except for 3 of the 4 Hardcastle cousins and their families.  We still had a pretty good crowd.