Coffee Date Friday

If we were having coffee today, I would tell you that our holiday began a little earlier than normal this year. And when I say earlier, I mean we were up, out the door and to the airport by 6am California time yesterday to head cross country to Ohio for Thanksgiving. We are so blessed to have a large Circle clan out here in Ohio that were more than ready to welcome us with open arms to celebrate together this year. There is a big hole in our hearts this year as we’re missing the patriarch of the family, Papa Circle, who passed in June of this year. This is the first Thanksgiving in the 10 years Kyle and I have been together that we haven’t had a grand parent with us and it been a hard adjustment.

If we were having coffee I would tell you…..

…….. that kids are resilient and unfortunately little morning people. So as I stumbled my way through security and through the Starbucks line, our littles were smiling and wishing everyone a great Thanksgiving in one breath and talking about tractors in the other.

…. I would tell you that we flew Southwest, which is code for flying the cattle plane. Herded in, squished together, herded out, then repeat. We made it through our first flight in one piece and then it was on to the second. Praise Jesus for 15 minute layovers.

… We arrived in Ohio at 4pm est, as the sun was getting ready to start setting. Crazy that we left as the sun came up and arrived as it went down. We loved traveling with our family!

…. I would tell you that I’m a total So Cal girl at heart and so packing layers was a weeeeee bit tricky for me. It mostly grabbed it, packed it and prayed it would all look as I hoped it would. Here’s outfit one. It was comfy and warm, although by the time I ate 2 rounds of turkey dinner, I won’t lie, I was feeling a tad bit claustrophobic and wishing I had worn my stretchy pants. 

….. One of our Sister in Loves has been in Chicago for the last two years while my Brother in Love finishes his MBA program, so we love any an all opportunities to see them. Here were all are before our hair had to brave the 23 degree weather! haha

 

…. Hayrides through the woods on Circle clan property make for the best kinds of Thanksgiving celebrations! The kids were more excited than everyone else!

 

…. Of course I couldn’t waste the opportunity to get some family pictures in. Since Katelyn got sick after Brayden’s birthday party, we had to cancel our Christmas family photo session, so I’m hoping we got some good ones today. Here’s a sneak peek of one of my favorites from the day. 

 

 

If we were having coffee, what would you tell me? How was your Thanksgiving?

And while we’re at it, let’s debate a little….. to Black Thursday and Friday shop or not? I’ve never done it before as I prefer to avoid the crowds, but let’s weigh in shall we?

xo, Alissa