A Schleicher Family Thanksgiving: Part I

Following our Schleicher family gathering at Camp Cilca this summer, our family was unsure of when we'd get to see each other again. When Jon and Chelsea graciously offered up their home as a meeting place for Thanksgiving, the family immediately took them up on it! It was great to have a centrally-located home where we could all travel to within a reasonable time frame during the shorter holiday week. What a joy it was to be together! Thanks, Jon and Chelsea, for making this Thanksgiving gathering possible.

Instantly upon our arrival to Nebraska, Cody was enamored with Jon and Chelsea's dog, Ace.

Although he is our big dog lover, Jaden wasn't so sure what to think of Ace on Day 1. He maintained a safe distance away.

By Day 2, however, both boys had really warmed up to Ace. Even though they have spent time with Ace on other visits, the boys were much more ready to play and interact with him this time. 

 What a well-mannered, lovable dog Ace is! He was so good about playing with the little boys. He didn't seem to mind it when Cody tried to give him kisses,

when the boys invaded his space at the window,

or when it took us a while to learn how to pet him gently.

Ace was a perfect playmate for the three little 1 1/2 year olds! He was a pro at retrieving balls or toys that the boys would throw for him.

Uncle Jon showed us some of Ace's fancy tricks.

His tricks sure made us giggle!

 Uncle Jon even got the "stay" command to work on the little boys! 

You sure have a wonderful dog, Chelsea and Jon! Thanks for training him to be so good with little kiddos.

The entire family arrived to Jon and Chelsea's home by Wednesday evening. Our wonderful hosts figured out a way to fit our entire clan all around the table. Chelsea served up some very tasty meals for us, too!

Before we knew it, Thanksgiving Day was upon us. Here is the early-morning kitchen crew, assembling the stuffing and readying the turkey. Don't we look like an alert and enthusiastic bunch?

The ladies' kitchen crew was only made possible by Jason and Matt's willingness to handle all four boys and serve them breakfast. What wonderful daddies! :)

After our Thanksgiving Day worship at Jon & Chelsea's church, the kitchen crew was back at it again.

This time, though, all other hands stepped in to help. Dad S. and Jon were in charge of the turkey, 

Beth set the table for our large crew,

while Uncle Andy and Jason supervised the littlest ones.

Jason didn't mind the pre-dinner child watching too much since he could watch his beloved Lions play. Cody and Jaden were even willing to sit with their Daddy to watch (along with just a few toys, of course).

As Grandma looked on, she figured that only 1 thing could make this scene a little better...

Lions shirts for the boys!!

Even Ryan and Ian got into the team-pride on Thanksgiving Day. What a wonderful gift from Grandma!

Daddy couldn't be more proud! :) Of course, it helped that his Lions had a wonderful game over the Packers, too! Cody enthusiastically cheered right alongside Daddy.

After lots of preparation from our hosts and a few helping hands in the kitchen, it was time to eat. Our Thanksgiving meal was fabulous! This was Chelsea's first time planning and preparing a turkey dinner, but you wouldn't know it. The wonderful Chef Chelsea pulled out the dinner for 14 like a pro. Everything was so tasty!

After naptime (for the kids and a few adults!), we had an early Christmas gift opening.

Jaden was a bit more interested in his presents this year.

He could at least figure out how to tear off some of the wrapping paper.

The unwrapping wasn't a problem for cousin Ryan, either.

Daddy helped both of the boys open this special football from Uncle Andy. You know he's a great uncle when he's willing to momentarily set aside his love for his favorite team and pick out a Michigan toy for his nephews!

Ian was, of course, the gift-opening pro! We were impressed with how he patiently waited for his turn to open gifts.

We, of course, didn't capture a picture of all of the boys' presents, but here are a few of the generous gifts: doggie pajamas (sure to become a Jaden-favorite!), 

their very own stuffed dogs (no more stealing from cousin Ryan!),

potty chairs (hopefully this scene will replay itself at our home in the not-too-distant future!),

a fancy new musical car carrier (the boys wanted to play with this right away-- thankfully Grandma & Grandpa had already installed the batteries!),

and a special kid-sized tool box.

Grandma and Grandpa had even brought stockings, full of treats, for all their kids and grandkids. Thanks for all the many thoughtful gifts, family! You all know how to spoil two little one-year-olds!

What a gift it was to all be together to celebrate Thanksgiving and an early Christmas! We are so thankful to God for our extended family, our precious little boys, and most of all, for the gift of forgiveness and salvation offered freely to us through Jesus. Happy Thanksgiving!