Thanksgiving in Driftwood

Now that Nana and Zayde's megahouse is built, we have a great getaway for Thanksgiving that's only an hour away. Once we recovered from an early week power outtage, the rest of the time was smooth sailing. With lots of food, fun, and family togetherness, we had a great time!

It'd be nice if Spencer was babysat by TV like the rest of his siblings.

On our first morning, Ethan volunteered to "help" make pumpkin muffins.

After Zayde got playful with the light toddler, the 4-year-old insisted in his turn next.

We spent a LOT of time outside. There is so much around the neighborhood to see and explore from plants to construction sites to wildlife.

Nana and Zayde's great outdoor toys were a big hit too!

Zayde attached training wheels to this old bike to help Gabi get accustomed to riding high up.

By Thursday afternoon, Aunt Sandi had arrived to bring more fun to the family holiday.

If Nana sits in 1 place long enough, eventually, all the kids will want in.

Friday arrived, the Gildens joined us, and Spencer remembered he was a friendly baby JUST in time for Aunt Sandi's birthday celebration.

More great pictures of my beautiful kids outside enjoying nature around the ranch.

Cake time! Any kid who wanted ice cream cake was required to be in a picture with the birthday girl! Apparently, it was smile optional.

I truly hope that these bonds between cousins last a lifetime. It's pretty stinkin' adorable!

baby besties

On Saturday morning, like you do on all mornings, you hang out, eat, and hang out until it's time to hang out some more. (Disclaimer: a LOT of unphotographed time happened daily with food prep in the kitchen.)

When Aunt Syssa came upstairs to find Uncle Craig calmly reading with 4 kids, she decided that Ethan had obviously lost the game of strip poker.

However, after several months of stubborn toddlerhood, Aunt Syssa FINALLY won some friendly Spencer love!

With another GORGEOUS day, we ventured down the hill to the neighborhood playground for more family fun. We spent a LOT of time on the slides in several different formations.

"Let's do it, again!"

After nap, Nana and Zayde definitely needed help finishing the ice cream remaining in their freezer. They had several helpful volunteers.

Uncle Jon, the photobomb

the face of innocence

With ice cream in their systems, the babies were ready take on the afternoon!

Turkey Lurkey needed a bit more time to cook, so we headed outside again for playtime.

Watch Daddy's crazy eyes, but also watch Spencer's delightful expression.

Go, Gabi, go!

A family who stretches together...

Team Cohen at Driftwood on sunset

Our final morning arrived in Driftwood, and as per usual, the kiddos were ready to get out of bed and party before the adults.

We managed one more outside playtime in before we were just about ready to call Thanksgiving to an end.

By the end, though, I'm pretty sure the adults had given up and let the kids do whatever they wanted.

We have so much to be thankful for on a daily basis, but this Thanksgiving holiday gave us so many more reasons! Happy Thanksgiving!!