November 24th

We had our Thanksgiving meal at lunch time at the Cassel's house.

The kids hunted for paper turkeys high and low.

Whitten watched intently

and they all got a candy bar prize for their hunting success. Madison (on the left is a family friend) and then  Paisley, Jathan, Hunter and Whitten in the front. 

The 24th also happened to be Dusty's birthday this year. We set a special table in his favorite things...orange, football, and deer

but we didn't get to eat here that night b/c we were still full from lunch! (we devoured Laurie's heavenly chicken and dressing at a very unhealthy pace)

Dad got to open his flip book Paisley made him..her love was stronger than a truck, faster than a motorcycle, higher than airplane...etc...you get the idea. She colored it all by herself.

and I made a little bag with fun date night ideas inside.

P was quite serious about sharing her book.

and we topped off the big day by pulling out Wenzel ...our tent, fort, or cozy spot...whatever you want to call it for movie night. He was a big hit.

and finishing up our thanks and giving trees. We did these every night the week of Thanksgiving. Each of us would write on a leaf something we were thankful for and something we did to be a "giver" that day.

Paisley was mostly thankful for toys but on the last day she was thankful for mom, dad, and Whitten. What a relief!

Dusty may or may not have turned 32 this birthday. On the kids birthday I like to highlight their accomplishments or things they like right now so I will do the same for the Dustinator! Dusty likes football, specifically UT football. He enjoys working out but has not been his usual 100% lately. He is doing very well in his Master's program and while no longer a straight A student we still claim him as our own. He'll be done in April and I'm not sure which one of us is more excited about that. He still thinks it is fun to hike in the woods in the dark and sit in a tree in the hopes of catching a deer and has done so this Fall several times. He is also still married to someone who doesn't understand that at all. He's a 5 star dad and dish cleaner and the only one who makes Whitten really really laugh...and we love him! Happy Birthday Sweetheart.