From Jack o' Lanterns to Turkeys to Silver Bells

Every year, fall starts out the same way.  There are a few cool mornings followed by hot afternoons.  It seems like summer will never fade away.  But then one day in late October, the heat wave breaks and it finally feels like fall.  It usually happens just in time for trick or treating, and this year was no different.  It was hot the week before Halloween, but by Sunday the kids needed turtlenecks and tights under their costumes.(except for Luke, he wore jeans)  And then October was over, and it was time to move on to November.  As I packed up all of our Halloween decorations, I thought about  how much I love Thanksgiving.  When I was growing  up we never left the house on Thanksgiving.  It was one of those rare times that we spent the whole day together without any plans with anyone.  My mom and I spent the morning in the kitchen cooking while my dad and brother watched football. Then we had our Thanksgiving lunch and spent the afternoon watching the same two movies every year- Christmas Vacation and A Christmas Story.  It was the official kick off to the Christmas season.  And it was great.  But then we grew up and got married.  Now our traditions have blended and changed a little.  A few years ago, my mom said that it was my turn to take over Thanksgiving.  I was so excited!  I love cooking, and I couldn't wait to share the same Thanksgiving day tradition with my girls.  And of coarse, Derek is all about sharing the football watching tradition with Luke!  This will be the fourth Thanksgiving at our house.  But this year will be a little different- my mom's entire family will be there!  It's the first time that we have all spent Thanksgiving together.  Of coarse, there is a lot to do in the next few weeks to get ready, but I can't wait to spend one of my favorite holidays surrounded by the people that I love the most. 
 And after everyone is gone, and all of the left overs are put away- Derek and I will drag out the Christmas decorations.  We will spend the evening untangling lights and decorating the Christmas tree with the kids.  We'll probably watch A Christmas Story and make hot chocolate...  I just love this time of year!