This year was equally as fun. We got to share it with Jinming. Since Thanksgiving is an American holiday, this was her first one. While we cooked American favorites like ham, sweet potatoes, and corn bread dressing; Jinming made some yummy Chinese dishes. She made a wonderful eggplant with tomatoes and egg as well as carrots. I think the carrots were a crowd favorite because there weren't many left at the end of the meal.
Brady acted as the event photographer. He loved taking "creative" pictures of all of the food.
Our table was beautifully decorated by the one and only Kaden Pillstrom! And yes, that is a bacon wrapped turkey in the picture above!
Thanksgiving came and went with hardly any drama! I think it was because we were at my house and the family members that usually cause drama don't know where I live. I'm sure several people went to my aunt's house expecting to find us, though!
Yesterday, mom and I went on our yearly shopping adventure. As you know, almost all of the stores opened Thursday night. I did end up going to the Old Navy outlet with a friend at 10pm for a few bargains. The real shopping happened Thursday morning. Surprisingly, mom and I got everything we wanted from the sale ads even though we went hours after they opened! I couldn't believe it. I figured it was because we went with no expectations and ended up super excited!
Last night, we went to the Peabody to watch the ducks and for the tree lighting. This was JM's first trip to the historic hotel and it did not disappoint!
We got to the Peabody a little early so we went up top for the "bird's eye" view! Lame pun...sorry! It was really windy up there but my kids love it so I just knew JM would too!
Of course, the smaller kids were super excited to see the man of the hour, however, I did also notice a certain 16 year old hold her hand out and smile really big when he shook her hand!
And finally, a family picture to remind us all of the Christmas we shared with Jinming! I have loved having her here the past couple of weeks. She is such an amazing girl and just fits right in with out family. She and Kaden have become the best of friends and she has been spending a lot of time with him. That makes me so happy because he has really been struggling with being the middle child!
As for Jinming, my desire for her (while she is with our family) is to experience as much of American life as possible. We may not be the most exciting people in the world but we try to have as much fun in life as possible! I think she really likes it here and I know we will all be sad when it's time for her to go home.
So, if you're wondering what I'm thankful for this year...it is this sweet family God has allowed me to be a part of! This has really been one of the best Thanksgiving's I have ever had!
Stay tuned, as we will be decorating the tree this weekend! I think the Christmas spirit is starting to wear off on our international guest.
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