Thanksgiving....and a lot to be thankful for.

It's been an extremely long time since we had all of our family together for Thanksgiving.....in fact, I can't even remember when it was. This year, we had two of our children and their families meet in Pendleton at my mother's house. It was wonderful !

Seated from left to right: Will Thomas, Preston Thomas, Jenni Thomas, Taylor Thomas, Thelma Lindsay, Carolyn Southworth, Alexander Southworth, Ron Southworth, Elena Southworth, Emmy Southworth, Michael Southworth, James Southworth and Leslie Arbogast.

When we lived in Pendleton, we always went to Aldridge Park and took family pictures. We found one of the same tree stumps we used when the kids were little, and piled everyone on the stump. It was so much fun to be together again!

Since Stephen and his family live in Florida, it was too far for them to come.....so a phone call was the next best thing. Below, Michael talking with Stephen in Florida.

Many hands made light work........mom has a really big kitchen, so we all pitched in and helped to prepare dinner.

We had five our our seven grandchilden with us....and that was sure a joy. Below: Elena.

Alexander

James, hitching a ride on his mom's back.

Preston ....... he helped set the table, by putting a carrot on everyone's plate.

Then there was Taylor.

It was pretty cold out, but the sun was shining so it was a beautiful day.

Ron, trying to get all the kids looking in the same direction at one time.....not an easy task!

Michael, Emmy, Alexander, James and Elena.

Jenni, Will, Taylor and Preston

All the girls.....me, my mother, Elena, Jenni and Emmy.

Taylor had just learned to walk the week before, and was still a bit unsteady.....but he was so proud of himself.....and happy to be mobile.

However, he hadn't quite mastered walking and talking at the same time yet......he crashed on the steps and scraped up his nose.

I am so grateful for my family. They are the most important thing in life. It was a perfect time to reflect on how much they mean to me. I know that it wasn't easy traveling for hours cooped up in a car, so I appreciate their sacrafice to come and spend time with each other. I am hoping that someday, we can actually get the entire family together for a holiday!