A Great Thanksgiving

We are very lucky we got to spend time with ALL our family members over the last week or so. We have had an

eventful Thanksgiving season. Maddox and I kicked off the holiday by meeting our friends Megan, Nolan, Nash and Megan's mom and dad at the Festival of Trees parade in Davenport last Saturday. It was a bit chilly but Maddox didn't mind being bundled up. The Festival of Trees parade is basically like a small Macy's parade with big balloons. Maddox would just follow the balloons and the bands down the street with her little eyes not moving a muscle all bundled up in her stroller. She did kick her feet and clap a couple of times to the music but she was definitely ready to be back in the warm car. Saturday night Maddox and I picked Aunt Brooke and Uncle Tyler up from the airport. Then Sunday Grandpa Jim, Grandma Jean, Great Grandma Reta, Veta, Mark, Jaci, and Alex all came over to celebrate Thanksgiving, Tyler's birthday and the arrival of Baby Knowles in January. Maddox was so good. She snapped right out of her crabby little self and really started showing off a lot, prancing around with her cozy couple and the giraffe. She enjoyed all the great company. Then Monday Grammy Marti and Grandpa Dick came over to celebrate with us. Maddox was so spoiled!! We all had a great time relaxing, watching football, and eating chili, cheeseburger soup, pork loin and sweet potatos....and of course cake! Thanksgiving day Eric, Maddox, and I traveled down to Keokuk for one last family celebration. We had a really nice time at Grandma Kies house. Maddox REALLY showed off here. She started walking...and I would actually consider this REALLY walking unlike before where it was sort of just toddling along. She was very brave and started taking about 8 to 9 steps at a time showing off for her cousins Chelsea and Kelby and Brandon. It was really fun to see her go that far. She is still very wobbly and in fact since we got home Thursday night she hasn't even remotely walked that far again....(hmmmm...she must need an audience...? little stinker). We had yummy turkey and every side that you could imagine. The Kies family members are good cooks! This weekend Eric and I are just relaxing and getting caught up on house duties. Next weekend we'll probably go chop down our Christmas tree.