Thanksgiving Week

Thanksgiving week was coming, and that usually means tons of time with tons of family. Mira and Jacob were shipped up to central Texas early, so we got a Thanksgiving week preview and joined them at the Domain on Saturday night for cousins pizza and self-made entertainment.

the whole gang, minus the photographer (and blog author)

We were treated to a special show as thousands of lights danced in synchronization to holiday music.

Team Gilden cuties with Uncle Jon

On Sunday, Nana and Zayde treated big cousins Ethan, Gabi, Jacob, and Mira to a screening of Frozen 2 which had just debuted in theaters 2 days earlier. Nana said, "It's been a while since I took 4 kids to the movie theater!"

We stayed in Austin for a couple more days and then FINALLY it was time for the real Thanksgiving break. We packed up and headed on down to Driftwood.

It may be hard to believe, but lots of fun times happened that day and evening that wasn't captured on camera. Nana brought out lots and lots of dominoes that provided great amusement.

a different technique for each child

Crafting happened.

Aunt Sandi joined us Wednesday night, but I think my kids were slightly more excited about Knox's arrival.

On Thanksgiving Day, we spent a long long time in the morning wearing pajamas on the couch, watching a lot of TV (aka parade and puppy show) and some video chatting with our long lost family in Boston.

Ethan apparently found my phone and helped himself to photography practice.


On Friday morning, Team Gilden arrived, and these two toddlers were reunited.

Everyone else was happy to be together too.


The annual "Surprise Aunt Sandi with an ice cream cake on Thanksgiving for her birthday and torture as many people as possible into taking a picture with her before allowing anyone to eat" picture:

It all started when Jacob gave "special cousins time" to go outside in their pajamas on Saturday morning. Then, a large amount of bubbles solution was spilled in the garage. Then, Aunt Sandi needed to get a hose to spray the bubbles out of the garage... Then...well..."Ok, fine, but ONLY take off your shoes and socks!!!"


"Ok, fine, ONLY Spencer can take off his clothes. He's 2; he doesn't understand."


"Well, as long as you're spraying with water...you may as well..."



"Ok, fine, but ONLY the pajamas! Leave the underwear on!"

"Oh, jeez." All control was lost.

Moving on...




The official turkey dinner had a little bit more baking to do, so we stalled outside.

(At least they were wearing clothes this time?)


Let the backyard photo-shoot and love-fest begin!




Turkey dinner was a collaborative and delicious success!

Aunt Sandi had worked hard that day french braiding the ladies' pigtails. Go Team Red Tent.

On a gorgeous and final day together, we walked down to the neighborhood park and clubhouse.


The walk back to Nana and Zayde's house was all uphill, and little legs needed a little help.

Daddy head drums

PUSH!

Thanksgiving week out!