A Minnesota Thanksgiving

As we packed suitcases and made pies this past week, it dawned on me that my girls have never once spent a Thanksgiving in Minnesota.  In fact, it has been 15 long years since I last spent a Thanksgiving with my family; 1999 to be exact.  I probably packed overalls and a scrunchie from my UMD apartment the last time I drove 'home' for the holidays, and then met my aunts at Herberger's for the 7 a.m. Black Friday door busters and thought that was early!  While my suitcase has changed a bit, and multiplied by 3 more girly suitcases, the feeling of coming home hasn't.  I was met by the same warm genuine hugs from Mom & Dad, the same delicious smells of a turkey loving made through the early morning hours, and the same bright eyes of my grandparents and aunts & uncles coming to gather together in thanks.  It was a magical and blessed Thanksgiving at home. It was also, LOUD, ha!  

Piper was a huge help on Wednesday making cookies and pies before our MN trek on Thanksgiving morning. 

We were exhuberantly greeted by cousins!  Savannah & Hadley

 Bryndel & 'Miah'



















Piper & Brooklyn

Bryndel & Asher















A true 'photo bomb!' The orginal picture had 3 people in it, and then grew to 4, and 6, and then 8! 

Aunt LeAnne, Mom, & Grandma

Opa & Bryndel

Proudly holding the cherry pie they helped make and adorn with cut out hearts.
















Game time with Uncle Mike.

Grandma Joan & Bryndel getting some love, while Grandpa Jerry, Aunt Patty, & Brian visited.

















We had the pleasure of playing at Aunt Nancy's therapy clinic the next morning, and it was a BLAST!  Brooklyn, Bryndel, Waylon, Piper, Kenzie, Audrey, Hadley, Jeremiah, Cece, Savannah, & Cylas

Piper said it best when she climbed back into our van after playing for 2 hours at Nancy's clinic... "I kept thinking someone was going to say 'Don't do that, Piper' but no one did. It was like there were no rules, Mom!"

Piper & Brooklyn 'breakin' rules, hehe.

Back to Grandma & Grandpa's to play in the snow. Bryndel, Kenzie & Uncle Nathan.
















Kenzie & Jeremiah 

Another photo bomb :)

We finished our time at the lake with some shopping and more fresh air.  Ahhhh.  THANK YOU Grandma & Grandpa for very memorable MN Thanksgiving!!

Kyle was blessed with an Alaskan Thanksgiving, and his nephew, Tyler's wedding day!!!  Pictured below are 3 brothers and 3 brothers!  Cole, Brent, Kraig, Kyle, Kurt, and the groom Tyler.

The 'growing' Alaska Anderson Family ~  Cole, Kennedy, Bethany, Tyler, Anne, Kurt, Cali (pregnant!) and Brent.  What a blessing!!