Texas Part I: Thanksgiving

Happy December! This year has just flown by... December, already!?! With Christmas inching nearer, so too does the realization that my baby is almost ONE.  To think I will only have seventeen more of these, I can't even. These cheeks, mine forever. 

We spent the last of our November days in Texas, and we got back home to Jacksonville last night. We were sad to leave the wonderful weather and family fun behind, but we are definitely anxious to start decorating our own tree and pick up Duke later today! Thanksgiving was a success, hands down my favorite one ever! I'm so happy that Austin was able to experience such an amazing Thanksgiving. He won't remember it when he's older, but then again, daddy may not either ;) The food was awesome, the company was better, and the weather was perfect. We began our Thanksgiving day with the Macy's  Parade- and this was the first year in a long time that I was actually awake for the beginning of it! We enjoyed staying in our jammies all morning and cozying up in the cold Texas weather. The house soon became a bakery with the scent of the season circulating around the kitchen and living room. We made Pecan Pie and brought it with us to the feast at a family friend's. We joined Juan's aunt's friend and her family for Thanksgiving. We also celebrated the first day of Hanukkah with them. They had the house decorated for both celebrations and they made us feel at home as soon as we walked in the door.
Austin was cheesing all that his cheeks would let him- he enjoyed the company and extra attention most of all. He crawled from room to room and I basically spent the afternoon shuffling after him. Family pictures were in short supply, but the crazy amount of food and fun made up for it. It's funny how complete strangers can completely make your Thanksgiving- Juan and I walked into the house knowing five people, and walked out knowing about fifteen.

We ended our Thanksgiving with stuffed bellies and  full hearts. Life never ceases to amaze me. My perspective has changed so much after becoming a mommy, I have grown in so many different ways. I have so much to be thankful for, we are truly blessed. These are the best days of our lives, after all! Watching this angel grow and enjoy life- it warms my heart!