Thanksgiving 2014 (edit)

Yesterday, we had the privilege of going to my niece Elizabeth's house in Lakeland for our Thanksgiving celebration.  With Michael and Valerie in Wisconsin, and Stephen and Amber having to work, we were grateful to have an invite so it just wouldn't be the two of us.  I love being around loved ones whether it's a holiday or not.  Having the opportunity to connect with extended family was a nice change of pace.

What a fun time we had!  There was quite a crowd of all families, both from Liz's side and Vince's family.  We traveled from around the state, and Vince's parents and sister traveled in from NC.

Liz and Vince have a beautiful home.  It's large enough to host LARGE family events.  I am looking forward to many more!  They have a perfect location.  It's easy to get to whether traveling from Orlando, Clearwater, Winter Haven, or wherever!


While waiting for all guests to arrive and dinner to be served, we occupied our time taking advantage of the Florida sunshine.  We had 2 days of rain and were glad it left leaving a beautiful Thanksgiving Day.  In Orlando, we had received 7 1/2 inches of rain in 24 hours!

Morgan, Vince's sister, is helping Braydon, my grand nephew, golf.



Krista pitched to Jake.  He is a natural!  I wasn't paying attention and got smacked by one of his line drives!



When Liz sends me the group photo taken in the backyard, I'll post an updated "edit".

Here we go.  That didn't take Liz long to get the photo to me! Thanks!



From left to right, going up and down..Annabelle, Margaret, Gregg, Krista, Grandpa Harty, Morgan, Jake, Barbara, Pete, Elizabeth, Vincent with Braydon, Trish, Jill, Vicky, Clif, Sharon, and Bill.

Jill with her kids Annabelle and Jake.



Liz, Vince, and Morgan



Everyone brought something to the table.  There was tons of good food.



We were satisfied after stuffing our tummies. From left to right: Grandpa Harty, Sharon, Clif, Pete, Vicky, and Krista.



 Then we got a great idea to watch the Villafrancas on Family Feud. Liz, Vince, Bill, Sharon, and Morgan had the privilege of being on the show last year.  They won!  When they tried to defend their championship, unfortunately, they lost.  Vince freeze framed the second episode as "bad" answers were given so we could see up close and personal the expressions each family member had.  Oh My Gosh, what laughter abounded!  I haven't laughed that hard in a LONG time.  Bill was a good sport because most of the laughter was at his expense.  Thanks Bill. :)  After burning a few calories from laughter, we had dessert.  Lots to choose from here as well.



What a wonderful day.  We have lots to be thankful for: family, extended family, families brought together through marriage, abundance of food and provisions, transportation to get us to our loved ones, God our Creator who provides us with all these blessings! I  am grateful for all the blessings we have been given.  Hope you all had a blessed Thanksgiving as well. :)