Thanksgiving at the Beach House

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving Dinner at the Beach House. It was so strange to be away from family, and not heading to visit all the different relatives. We had the Vawdry Family over from our ward. I have really enjoyed getting to know Catherine. She is a wonderful, selfless person I learned a lot about being charitable from. Brother Jensen from the ward was also able to join us. I don't think I have ever learned so much from a Sunday School teacher. Wonderful humble man. We were excited to also have David and Linda Block over. I actually think this is the only picture we have of them which is sad. They are the owner's of the beach house and became our "parents" in Virginia. Anything we needed and they were willing to assist. We also loved just hanging out and spending time with them. Raiyah and Malakai would light up every time they came around.

I decided to go all out and cook most everything from scratch. I was so busy I forgot to take pictures of all the food. The kids and I made home made crescent rolls, they loved rolling the dough and cutting out the triangles. I also made a turkey which was fantastic. I made homemade stuffing which I cooked in the turkey. I think that was my favorite part of dinner. The stuffing was absolutely wonderful. (Linda Blocks recipe). I also made the gravy from the turkey drippings which was so tasty. And the thing I most surprisingly liked was the cranberry sauce I made from fresh cranberries. It was mouth watering. I had it on many sandwiches afterwards. :)

We have many things to be grateful for this year. The things I am most thankful for are for sure my family. I feel at home anywhere we go, not because of where we are but becuase I am with my family whom I love spending every minute with. Moving aways has also made us closer to our families. I don't think anyone can explain that unless they have moved away from family. But when you don't live a few minutes away from someone, you take the time to talk to them and hear how their life is. We have been so blessed on this journey and hope to continue to grow every step of the way.