Thanksgiving at the Johnstons

A struggle most couples have when they get married is where to celebrate holidays. Though Christmas gets tricky, Thanksgiving has been easy for Wesley and me. Even while we were dating, we have celebrated Thanksgiving with his family. Usually, we all get together at Wesley's parent's house in Knoxville, but this year the celebration was moved to my sister-in-law's house in North Carolina. We made the trip from Atlanta, and Wes's parents came over from Knoxville. (Wes's brother Joel and his family weren't able to make it because they were hosting Thanksgiving for 19 at their house for Abby's family.)

Traveling to North Carolina- Jackson and Flash

Wednesday morning, we all attended the annual Lincolnton YMCA Prayer Breakfast. Ron, my brother-in-law, started this Thanksgiving tradition in 2000 when he was Executive Director at the Lincolnton Y. For 8 years, I have heard about this breakfast, and I was so excited to go this year. It really was a lot of fun and it was so impressive to see what Ron started. (The first year there were 30 people at the breakfast and this year there was over 300!!) Ron is now a VP with the Charlotte Y, but he spoke at the breakfast and did a great job!!

Jackson didn't make it through the breakfast so he and Cole enjoyed some reading time in the lobby.

Wednesday afternoon, Shannon and Lynne cooked..and cooked..and cooked!

Jackson just chilled on the "phone"

Jackson and Flash were spoiled with loving from Macey!

That night, we all went outside for S'mores!

Thanksgiving dinner was delicious as always. We had enough food to feed an entire army!

Shannon invited a friend from church to join us for dinner - Perry Potter

(He didn't understand why we all liked his name so much!)

Since we ate at 3:00, Jackson wasn't very hungry so he just sat at the table

and enjoyed himself a little Praise Baby!

Though I love the Thanksgiving meal, my favorite time of togetherness is Black Friday! Growing up, I never knew the enjoyment of the After Thanksgiving Sales, but once I joined the Bender family, I was introduced to the morning madness! Wesley and I love getting up really early and hitting the first sales of the day. This year, we braved the WalMart crowds to save a few dollars on some movies!

Yes, the clock says "4:39!"

Friday afternoon, we visited a field close to the Johnston's home where they decorate hay bales for the holidays. Here we are by the Thanksgiving Turkey!

Macey really wanted to play a family football game so Friday afternoon, the girls took on the guys. Who knows who won but we sure had fun!

Jackson even got in on the fun. Here he is with a hand off from Cole!

This morning as we were heading home, Wesley and I talked about what a great holiday it was! It is always good to be with the Bender family. It is constant fun and laughter! I am very blessed to have such a wonderful "in-law" family and truly treasure the times we spend together!

Thank you Shannon, Ron, Macey and Cole for opening your home to us and for a great Thanksgiving Week! We love you!