Giving Thanks

We have nothing but thanks for time spent with family this past weekend. Now that my sister Grace and family live in Pella, we don't have far to drive to see either side of the family. Thanksgiving day was spent with Dan's family and Friday and Saturday were spent with mine. 

I took pictures while with my family to share with those who were not there with us. My parents spent Thanksgiving at home in Neerlandia and my younger sister Rachel was home in Houston. Here is a recap for you all.

David expertly fried the turkeys again and they were very tasty! Just ask Rebecca and Joanna who tried to clean up the bones.

We all sat down to enjoy a delicious meal of all our Thanksgiving favorites.

We always attempt a group photo and it turned out great!

On Saturday we went for a bowling outing and had a really good time. Kudos to Tonya for the high score and to Grace who just managed to out score the little kids :)

Another great Thanksgiving of time spent with the ones we love the most.

Young House Love-ing it!

First, I must tell you how awesome my younger sister Rachel is - I LOVE YOU! 

She was so great to "bring" me to a book signing of my favorite online friends, John and Sherry over at Young House Love. I've been reading their blog for many years now and feel like I know them personally (not in a "creepy stalker" kind of way, but in a "I love how you over share about your life" kind of way). John and Sherry work together to write a blog about their everyday life of making their home beautiful. I read their blog just about every day and it always makes me smile and want to make my home more beautiful too. They have inspired me to do many little projects around the house as well as the big project of redoing our kitchen. They just released their first book, and a book signing would be an awesome way to turn our virtual friendship into something physical. But sadly, the closest signing was over 4 hours away. So I tempted Rachel with the idea of going to the signing in Houston (since she conveniently lives there now) so I could live vicariously through her. And she did it for me!!

Hold on, this is AWESOME...

..here I am with John and Sherry!! I can hardly contain my giddiness!

Here's the line in West Elm that Rachel selflessly stood in for over an hour to get a signature and photo opp.

Don't worry, I don't think she was too bored. She might actually have gotten some good ideas to try herself!

She also got to enjoy some tasty Young House Love cookies and cocoa, which she shamelessly sent me a photo of and made me feel even more jealous about her being there.

Oh yeah, and it was John's birthday the day of the signing. The fans in line sang "Happy Birthday" to him  when he and Sherry first came out. And here is his cake from West Elm. (wish West Elm would make me a cake...)

They had a blank book for all the fans to sign. Rachel left her mark for us both!

Thanks for bringing me along Rachel!! I had a great time!! 

Can't wait to get my hands on that book :)