Thanksgiving Weekend 2017!

Wow!  What a whirlwind!  We just got off one of the most fun weekends of all time.  I love this time of year- full of tradition....family...friends...and lots of QT.  This year was very special for different reasons...here is a little look....

Wednesday

Diana and I met the Fournier gals for breakfast- a tradition we started a few years ago.  It is always fun and the perfect way to kick off the long holiday weekend!

Then it was time to head to Coleen's for her 2nd Annual Friendsgiving- the kids run around and get wild before they settle down to eat a bit and the moms stand in the kitchen with a mimosa and catch up.  My favorite part?  Watching Coleen cook...she always entertains me!

Then it was time to head home and get some work done and I actually made a placement! It always feels good to get something big accomplished before a holiday weekend!  A few hours later, I started prepping for the evening's festivities and got a few side dishes made for Turkey Day.

Wednesday night, on Thanksgiving Eve, we had our open house.  We started this tradition last year and knew we would  continue it.  It is so fun and laid back- friends and family join us for live music (courtesy of Rob's band), food and fun!  This year did not disappoint- we all had a blast!

Before our guests arrived, we posed for our family  Christmas Card pics- thanks to my Father In Law, I think we got a cute and funny shot to use for this year's card.  Here is one of our outtakes and a "normal" family shot...well as normal as we will ever get ;)

and then for the festivities.....

Thursday- Thanksgiving Day

We started with our traditional family breakfast.....

and then headed to the Annual Turkey Trot in town...felt so good to be out in the fresh air and get our metabolism going for the day! :)

After that, we headed home and I got our big meal together!  The big kids headed out to their mom's and my parents and brother joined us at home with the littles and my father in law.

A beautiful turkey bread compliments of my bestie Jill- AND it was just as delicious as it was beautiful!  (and cute right?)

 My Mother In Law was not strong enough to make it up for dinner but my family got to visit with her and that warmed my heart.

That night, we settled in for our first viewing this year of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation...it was a cozy way to end our wonderful holiday!

Black Friday

Oh yes.  Cass and I did not skip a beat.  We met at 5:15 and hit the road!  We are such rebels....ha ha!!!

First stop, as always, is Starbucks to get fueled up!

and then my favorite stop, Old Navy.

Old Navy always has the best prices but on Black Friday, they always have 50% off the entire story- I kid you not.  I was happy to find gifts for my Dad, Father In Law and Zach.

Then we added a stop because the girls needed tights and I forgot until the last minute.  So...we battled the crowds at Target just for tights...needed to snap a pic...because Cass is so good to me :)

After that, we hit Christmas Tree Shop for some odds and ends...always a great place to grab gift tags, wrapping paper and such.  Then our final destination- the mall.  Not my favorite place BUT you cannot go wrong with the sales on this day.

We hit Build A Bear, Justice and Abercrombie.  Cass is always good about having a list and getting things to check off- I was just along for the ride this year (yeah the Florida trip and all- UGH!) We also hit Macy's and then Lord and Taylor on our way out AND scored dresses for soooo cheap for the Bat Mitzvah the following day AND to wear all season long...I felt like that was the best purchase of the day...again only deals you would find on Black Friday.

Then we unwound with cocktails and apps...we made our rounds because the new Copper Door wasn't opening until 11:30 and we knew we wanted to hit it.  So...we started at Tuscan Market to kill some time and then headed over to CD.  It has been one of our faves in Bedford and they just opened right next door in Salem and it is just as great- perfect decor, service and food and libations.  

Cranberry Proseccos at Tuscan Market

and all the fun at Copper Door

After that, it was time to head home and get Diana's hair and makeup done for dress rehearsal for the Nutcracker.  "Auntie Cass" stayed to watch the process ;)

Then it was early to bed!   

Saturday

It was time for Julia's Bat Mitzvah and we all were honored to be included in her special day.  We got to spend quality time with friends and enjoy all of the ceremony and festivities at the reception.  What a wonderful time! 

and Pidge was the BIGGEST fan of the photo booth- so fun! :)

and she TORE UP the dance floor ;)

Exhibit A

When we got home, Mama did Diana's curlers for the last time then went right to bed, Daddy headed out to a gig and the girls were so WOUND UP! It took them forever to settle down....sigh ;)

Sunday

Nutcracker Day was finally here!  We have been waiting so long!  We could not wait to see Diana dance as a Party Child.  I was anxious all day..ha ha!!  The good news was that I finally got her hair right...it was about time!  Our family and closest friends came to support our girl and she was amazing.  I was so choked up at it all...my little dancer...friends and family...all there...it is a day I will never forget.  Snucka few  pics and video clips because duh!! 

 

and her biggest fan getting ready to support her- my heart

Afterwards, a few friends came back for some snacks and Diana was on Cloud 9 when her first little love Cole came by with Pink Roses...my heart melted :)

Today, I am looking back on our weekend with a full heart and much gratitude...life doesn't get much better than this.