Kansas for Thanksgiving

For Thanksgiving this year we had the opportunity to visit Kansas for a few days. Mark's brother Eric, and his wife, Cindy have lived there for a while now while Eric is going to Chiropractic school. It was so fun to not only to see them, but also to see their life in Kansas, which we had only heard about up until this point.
  Of course, Thanksgiving was different this year because we weren't at home, but it was such a great chance to spend time with family and remember all of the ways we are so blessed.
 Although it is selfish, the first thing I felt grateful for on this trip was the opportunity to spend time with Mark. Mark has been really busy lately with work, and church, so it was so nice to have a little bit of his undivided attention.

 I think Christian was also grateful for the undivided attention of his parents...and everyone else for that matter!

We were grateful for a delicious Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings. We know not everyone is so fortunate to celebrate Thanksgiving this way, so we felt blessed to surround a full table, and leave with full bellies.

 (Mark's two jobs. He did beautifully.)

 We were grateful for Black Friday shopping, and the ability we have to purchase gifts for the ones we love.

 (and receive gifts from the ones we love...Thanks mom and dad!)

We were also grateful for the toy store, that kept Christian happily distracted during much of the Black Friday shopping.

We were also grateful for the opportunity to visit Liberty Jail, and be reminded of the blessings of the Gospel. What a neat place to visit. This was one of my favorite parts of the trip, and really helped me focus my gratitude on what is really important.

Most of all, we are grateful for Mark's parents, and Eric and Cindy, who made it possible for us to all be together. We are grateful for family relationships. We know we are truly blessed.

Happy Thanksgiving!