Thanksgiving Week-end

The Stefany clan congregated at G and Poppop's house this Thanksgiving.  The 10 of us spent Thursday-Saturday together.  The weather was frigid, so there was a lot of togetherness in the house.  G and Poppop gladly took residence at a traveling friend's house at night to enjoy the quiet avoid early wake ups allow an open bedroom.  I am pulling some strings to be the ones to stay at the "friend's house" next year!  :)

The minutes, hours, and days are exhausting in these little years; however, I am so thankful for healthy kids that run, sing, scream, eat, jump, hug, say "I love you", ask to be held, want an extra snuggle at bedtime, laugh at simple things, love their grandparents, and enjoy playing together.  These little years don't last forever and neither do some of the sweet things they say and do.

Here's a snapshot of the shenanigans special times this Thanksgiving:

In case you didn't know (or forgot), my grandfather was a professional trumpet player.  My mom, Laura, and I all play the piano.  Laura, Jason, and I were all in the marching band in high school.  Jason and I met in the marching band in college (played trumpet and clarinet).  None of us are as good and as dedicated as Poppop, but we were all pretty decent in our prime.  Musical talent is hopefully in our kids' genes.

The baby grand piano was one of the favorite toys of the holiday.  At 7:02 AM while we were all still brushing our teeth, we would hear Cole bang back the cover over the keys and start playing.  Cole took the most interest in the piano and actually played gently.  Evie, on the other hand, liked to bang the keys and sing along.  Braylen took part in the music making as well.

Our budding musicians

This piano is way better than the 4
keyed toy at home

His hands are moving so fast they disappeared!

I think Evie will be more into singing than instrumental music.  She broke out in song throughout the day with her top performance being at Thanksgiving dinner.  While most of the adults conversed, Evie sat in her chair belting out Jesus Loves Me.  Hysterical.  You really had to be there to get the full effect of her sweet voice hitting the high note for Bible.

In addition to her serenading, Evie was a big helper setting the table for Thanksgiving dinner.

Getting a lesson in utensil etiquette from G

Uncle Sam and Auntie L seem to be the only ones aware
this picture was being taken

The three big cousins literally ran circles around G and Poppop's first floor.  Parker got in on the action too.

When things got too rowdy, we put one of them in the crate :)

These three pictures tell the story pretty well.

Riding the "train" (AKA Uncle Jason)

Just being squirrels together

And Braylen being so adorable and sweet.  He sat and
watched the show zoom past him most of the time. 

We took the kids to an indoor bounce house on Friday morning.  We were waiting with other vans full of amped up kids at 9:55 AM for the doors to open at 10 AM.  It wasn't nearly as nice as the one by MeMa's house, but the kids enjoyed it

Not one picture in the bounce house, just pretending to drive cars

Our plan weeks ago was to attend the Christmas tree lighting and tuba Christmas in downtown Lancaster on Friday night.  The 20 degree temps made us reconsider.  We went up to Elizabeth Farms instead.  It was a perfect outing for us.  The 25 minute drive through Lititz and other small towns put me in the holiday spirit.  The houses were festively decorated, the Christmas music was pumping in the van, and my soul was at peace looking over the little bit of farm land that still remains.

While at Elizabeth Farms, we braved the elements for about 5 minutes total walking to and from the van.  We said "hi" to a few donkeys, walked through the barn, looked at the train display, Cole & Hannah got a candy cane from Santa, took a few pictures, then piled all 10 of us illegally in the van to drive through the outdoor light display.  Again, the holiday music was pumping, the windows were steaming up from all the hot bodies in one vehicle, Braylen was pounding on the window and squealing with delight at all the lights... it was perfect.

Inside the barn

No one was there at closing so Hannah walked right up to Santa

Cole Bug says hi too

This was Evie's reaction to Santa

BRRRR!  Braylen had the warmest spot in the group

Love

Piled in the van for the light show

As with most Stefany gatherings, we played cards, ate snacks galore, laughed at the silly things the kids do, spread cosmetics all over one bathroom sink, used more towels than needed (with all our type A personalities, how can't we get a system down so we don't use a new bath towel every time?!), and reflected back on the good times we had at Nana and Poppop's house.  I think Hannah, Evie, Cole, and Braylen will talk about holidays at G and Poppop's house for year to come.  I am so thankful for my family.