Ava's First Thanksgiving!

Thursday morning we loaded up the car and headed out for Jacksonville, Florida!  Once arriving in Jacksonville we headed straight for Aunt Iris' house.  Ava was so excited to see her Gigi and meet her Aunt Iris, Uncle Mark, Aunt Sharon, Uncle Robert, Cousin Shannon, and soon to be cousin Adam for the first time.  Before it was time to eat Ava was able to spend some time with Gigi and the dancing snowman she picked up at Hallmark.  Ava loves anything that moves and makes noise so she was enthralled with it immediately.  We then settled in on the couch and watched the recording of the Macy's parade before eating a yummy Thanksgiving meal.  Standing around the table we all took a moment to say what we were thankful for.  This Thanksgiving we were especially thankful for our precious gift Ava.  This time last year we were preparing for the journey that would bring us Ava.  I hope we always remember our journey and how thankful we are!  Shortly after eating we headed to our hotel to get Ava settled in and then I darted out to Target to meet the Aunts and Gigi for our 5th annual Black Friday Shopping Extravaganza!

Friday morning Nick, Ava, and I ate breakfast and then continued the black Friday sales at one of Nick's hunting stores and then headed to Aunt Iris' house to pick up the girls for some more shopping at Town Center.  It was so nice to be with family enjoying the beautiful fall weather while shopping outside.  Friday night we headed to the Callahan's for an Oyster Roast.  The family gathered around the fire pit outside and enjoyed eating, talking, and laughing!

Saturday we headed back to Aunt Iris' house.  The boys watched football while the ladies went to the Riverside Art Market.  Another beautiful fall day with the family.  Saturday night we all gathered at Aunt Iris' house for make your own pizza night!

Sunday afternoon we packed up the car and headed home.  It seems everyone else had the same idea since it took us almost 7 hours to get home!  We were all so glad to be home, but are so glad we were able to spend time with family.  Living in South Florida doesn't allow us to see family as much as we would like to.  Now we are looking forward to Christmas!