Giving Thanks

Traditions are very important in my family. 

A lot of the things we do for holidays were started over 20 years ago and continue to this day. 

Thanksgiving is no exception. 

Each year we compete in a thrilling game of football called "The Turkey Bowl" which always ends about the time my grandma is on her third glass of sherry and my mom has finished the stuffing and someone has started crying.
 Each year we make way too much cranberry sauce and have a huge potluck that includes having about 60 neighbors over to eat and play ping pong.
Years ago, my brothers and I started an eating competition where we would weigh in before eating Thanksgiving dinner and the weight out after.
Winner gets bragging rights and the worst stomach ache ever. 

I am still the reining champion.
7.5 pound is one sitting. 

If that doesn't instantly make you want to be my best friend or lover... I don't know what will.

I think this is still my proudest achievement.

This year was the first time I missed it. 
I missed the stuffing, the football, the pumpkin pies and the ping pong.

But, if there is one great way to break tradition I did it.  

My two best friends Cassidy and Christiana came up to visit me on wednesday and left on saturday. 

We hadn't see each other since our hiking adventure and all of us SUCK at keeping in touch. 

But, somehow, as soon as they pulled up it all came back. 

How important they are to me. 

How grateful I am for them. 

How much I missed them.

And how much I wished that we had gone to closer schools. 

We had a great time laughing and catching up before we went our separate ways again.
But, this weekend got me thinking...

I thankful for so many things. 

My family. 

My home. 

My self. 

My world. 

And my friends. 

Hope all of your thanksgiving were filled with friends, family, fun and food.
I know mine was.