And So...

...the holidays begin! For me, the week of Thanksgiving is the official launch of the holiday season.

We have a very full Thanksgiving with family and friends although I think it will be a bit more relaxed than some years - we are so grateful! I'm praying that the kids stay healthy - Thanksgiving week kicked off a very rough (and scary) winter for our youngest last year and so we have worked hard to plan ahead and do less this year. I think it will make everything more enjoyable and give us all an opportunity to enjoy each event more. And hopefully we will have a chance to enjoy some family time here at home.

I've begun my Christmas shopping, the Christmas cards have arrived, and holiday baking and cookie making will begin in earnest next week. I'm hosting a Brunch in the middle of December although we decided to take a year off from our annual open house. The traditions of the tree trimming, advent, and celebrations will be underway soon. I love this time of year. And the big boys understand it all a lot more this year which makes it even more fun!

These next few days will be busy as we prepare for Thanksgiving - cleaning, cooking, and baking. But I have a feeling there will be some fun crafts, story books, and games mixed in. So I'm turning on some holiday music and starting this week!