Giving Thanks

Danielle reading to Mira

Today, Joshua had photo retakes and Mira was feasting for Thanksgiving at her school.  So, we were all busy looking our best this morning.

Before we even left for school I took a moment to catch a quick picture.  Josh was reluctant but Mira and Evelyn were happy to pose in their pretty dresses.  They really do love each other!

The Thanksgiving feast was fun and I enjoyed watching Mira sing and craft and eat.  She was great!  We had a surprise visitor when the kids babysitter, Danielle, showed up.  Once the girls saw her, she had to join in the fun.  Mira snuggled right up to Danielle and spent the rest of the party with her.

Sisters

Thanksgiving digs

The next highlight of the day came when I made tea for the kids as their afternoon snack.  We set out 'fancy' tea cups (a glass set that I have) and made tea in their own small pot.  I cut up bananas, apples and cashews to have for our food and we all sat around the table practising our manners and talking about the day.  It was really quite nice.  I would love that ritual to greet Josh every day after school but I am not ready to make promises it will happen consistently.

To end the evening, the kids helped clean up the playroom.  It was one of the tasks we decided needed to get done before Thanksgiving.  The children picked which room we would clean when.  Josh was a star and cleaning up.  I set a contest and said that whomever earned the most 'golden nuggets' while cleaning up would get a Girl Scout Cookie.  Josh loved that idea!  We had a scavenger hunt.  The first thing we hunted for was balls and we got them all tucked away then started looking for the next thing.  After everything was cleaned up they picked out several toys they were ready to pass along to other boys and girls that have less.  I was impressed with how readily Josh was able to give.  Mira was attached to everything.  I didn't even ask Evie.  Unfortunately, we only cleared enough room for our existing toys to fit in the playroom!  But, we'll do it once more before Christmas.   When even had time to play for a few minutes before heading back upstairs. They all earned cookies and Josh earned two.