Sunsets After Storms…Finding Beauty and Hope After Life's Storms.: Our Thanksgiving 2015

Thankful for these guys right here! Even if Colby and Cooper don't look too happy to be in the picture

This year we went to Arkansas for Thanksgiving. I had a new baby niece to see and I felt like it would just be good to get away this year. Whenever we go see parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters, cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews, it lifts our spirits. It is always busy and non-stop with activity, so it's also a good distraction from the fact that we are missing a part of our family.

The sunset was truly just gorgeous as we crossed the Mississippi river on our way into Arkansas

We went to Playtime Pizza, which is a lot of fun for everyone...go carts, laser tag, bumper cars, games, bowling, and a huge food buffet, that is all you can eat (I know...that is just what we needed right before a Thanksgiving feast)!

I think Go-carts are our favorite. I don't know what comes over me, but I get super competitive driving those and don't mind knocking someone off course! I know...it's probably something I need therapy for. Colby thinks it's a blast riding with his crazy momma, even though I'm not the best example of driving!

The boys had a sleepover at their Aunt Heather's and at Uncle Craig's house. When they go to Aunt Heather's they stay up LATE watching movies and love playing with Paxton. They also usually get Shipley Donuts for breakfast, which are amazing. Craig absolutely loves his "guy" time with them, playing video games on all the tv's he sets up for them, until early morning hours! Needless to say, they are exhausted after all the late night shenanigans with their cousins and aunt and uncle.

I need to make a note to self to NOT pack many clothes for them. I think they stayed in the same clothes for 2 1/2 days...somehow the pjs and change of clothes I send with them, just stay in the bag. I guess they are having too much fun to change!

I got some good snuggle time in with Lily Kate, my new niece. She looks just like her daddy and is so sweet. She even went black Friday shopping like a champ with everyone!

Me and my sister, Lauren, and niece Lily Kate

We didn't get all the cousins together for a picture at the same time, but we did manage to get a picture of ALL 5 of us siblings. That doesn't happen too often.