The Singer Pack: Thanksgiving Festivities!

I have only been writing this post for like a month but here it is!!

Thanksgiving is Steve's FAVORITE holiday only slightly ahead of Independence Day. I think what puts it on top is football since there is so much football over Thanksgiving. Why is it Steve's favorite holiday you ask? It has food, football, family, and beer (in no particular order). We definitely fulfilled each of these criteria over a 7 day span.

Thanksgiving 1 was celebrated in Mound with Steve's parents. It was fitting that the Vikings played the Packers that day as Jim is a big Vikings fan and Steve is a die-hard Packers fan. Neither expected the game to result in a tie. Both were a little disappointed. The food was delicious as always! Jim does a great job making the meal with Steve as his helper. Nancy and I took care of Frankie while they cooked. The day was great. Everyone ate lots and the game provided some entertaining commentary between the guys regarding plays and missed calls.

Thanksgiving 2 was spread out over several days. We packed up the Captiva and first made the drive to Marshall, spent the night, then progressed onward to Bonesteel with my Dad to meet up with most of the Herrmann clan. It had been a while since the farmhouse had so many small kids running around (5 5 and under 5!). Despite the let-down that Dish didn't have the Packer game on Fox - it was a fun time. Although, Steve would disagree since he had no way to know what was going on in the game other than the ESPN ticker. The thing about the farm is you are cut off from the world a little bit. No internet, no cell service, but there is satellite TV. It is refreshing to disconnect from the world for a few days.

Grandpa even made the trip from the Haisch House down to the farm to see all of his great-grandkids and a few of his grandchildren. It was great to see him with Frankie. He loved holding the little guy and Frankie enjoyed hanging out with him. As you can tell by the photos below, they just enjoyed each others company. Stephen and Sarah weren't able to make it down to the farm due to moving into their new house in Sioux Falls, but Mom brought Brody and Sophie. Sophie LOVED helping with the twins as well as with Frankie. She was an expert on helping change diapers - it was so cute. Brody is so full of energy and too smart for his own good. Steve enjoyed teaching him a few football receiving routes and the kid caught on pretty quickly! The twins also enjoyed Frankie or "baby" as they called him. Ava enjoyed giving him (and everyone) hugs but Madison wasn't too sure. Mom and Dad attempted to get a picture of them with all 5 of their grandkids but, as you can see from the photo, it didn't go so well. Maybe next time!

Steve, Frankie, Brody, and I ventured out in the cold to show Frankie the farm and see the cows. Clearly, it was exactly what Frankie wanted to do. :-) I loved it. I can't wait to bring Frankie back when it is a little bit warmer and he is a little bit bigger - I think he will really have a great time on the farm.

We only stayed a short while before we headed back to Marshall. Although, we did stop in Sioux Falls to introduce Stephen to his nephew and check out the new place. I am so excited for Stephen, Sarah, and the kids to be closer! Kansas was a little far but Sioux Falls will be a doable distance; hooray for family being close!

Frankie was an all star traveler until we loaded up the car to make the final trip from Marshall to Maple Grove - about half way he decided he was done with being in the car. Which for a 3 month old and probably 14 hours of driving in a few days he did well. So the last 1.5-2 hours were a little tough but we cranked the music and tried to make the best of the situation.

It was such a great first thanksgiving for our newly expanded family with so much to be thankful for! I could list everything but the list would be too long. All that matters is each day I am so thankful for what I have and the people I have in my life. God is good.

Enjoy some photos. :-)

Thanksgiving 1: