Happy Thanksgiving!!! (Oh, and some good news!!!)

We had such a great Thanksgiving. The HUGE reason Mike deals with the rat-race that nursing school is in this area is so that we can be close to our families, and hence, the Grand-kids can be close to their Grandparents. We always visit both families. Thanksgiving in Mike's family is held at his Uncle Mike's house. There were about 30 people (just estimating!) and it is a lot of fun. Even though there are more people than my family gathering, it is quieter and calmer.

We love to see the cousins. Gracie and Collin are so funny. They are about the same size, but do not worry about either being a bully: both can watch out for themselves. Collin would steal toys. Gracie would let Collin know she did not appreciate this, so she would give a good ol' tug to his hair. Collin would let go. Around the third time that this happened, Collin started crying. It was really funny to watch. Gracie was just so dang cute in her little outfit.

Collin is such a little social guy. He loves people. He especially loves his family. He had the happiest day today. The picture below is of Collin with his Aunt Mary. He was just loving and hugging on her, just like she was his Grand-baby.

Collin adores his Grandparents. He gets so happy when he sees them. I love this picture of Collin with Grammy. (And if Mom is reading this, this picture makes you look really young, or so many family members have said so! ) He just thinks Grandma and Grandpa are so funny.

Grandpa loves to have Collin giggle, so he tries to get him to do so. I've never heard someone so little giggle like Collin. He really has this belly laugh.It is the funniest sound, and everyone who hears the sound can not believe his little laugh. Cracks me up!!!

Collin is really tired here!!!

The video is of him swinging and one little giggle. It really is too cute!!!

Since Mike had to work, we had to go and visit him. Collin, during Thanksgiving dinner turned to Uncle Jason and patted him and said "Da" which is Dad. I teased Mike's Mom and told her we should of just had Collin get his picture with Uncle Jason, and pretended it was actually him!!! It was sad to not have Dad with us, but we are grateful for our jobs and any sacrifices are worth it.

Collin and I went over to my sisters for Thanksgiving # 2. I just love to see Collin and my Dad. They both are so happy, and it is funny to see their little relationship. My Dad and Ryker were very close. I know that seems impossible, but besides Mike and myself, nobody saw Ryker more. My Dad works near the Children's hospital, and he would go up during lunch, or before or after work. It is healing to see him with Collin. His Grand-kids are such a huge part of his life.

I know I promised the Mexico post, but I will get to that this week or early next. I have some really great news: we are finalizing next Wednesday at 12:00!!!! Whoo-hoo!!!! And since we will have the family still in town, we will be doing the sealing that night at 6 pm. We will wait to do the baby blessing till December 20th, and for those who are interested in attending, just e-mail me at littleforeverfamily@gmail.com and I will e-mail the details!!!

Because of our computer crashing, I have to relocate the CD's of Lilly and Ryker. So I will also be posting a little angel tribute to our sweet Princess (her angel day was November 25th, which also was my little sister's 18th b-day *sniff sniff*. The neatest tribute to Lilly is that my brother and sister-in-law are having a little girl, and although it is not set in stone, they want to name their little girl Khloe Lillian, using Lillian in honor of Lilly of course. Very touching and sweet, and I know Lilly will be very happy. So more posts to look forward to, and cross your fingers that everything goes through next Wednesday!!!

I just wanted to say how grateful I am for our family and friends. I am also very grateful for Mike, for the AMAZING husband he is. I love having Collin in our lives. I am forever grateful to his birthmother for this amazing blessing in our lives. What are you grateful for? Let those you know how much they mean. Life is short, sometimes too short.