This year we celebrated our 8th Thanksgiving with some of our very best friends in the world. Lisa and I met at a Thanksgiving potluck, way back in 2000. I’m guessing that the feasting on gobs of food year after year has helped to cement what has become a fantastic friendship. Chenoa and I met at a party that same year. Actually, it was her party, hosted at someone else’s house. She was selling me some jewelry. God has blessed us with a unique relationship that became clear when we began doing Bible studies together. Things that all of us definitely have in common: we love to shop, we love to eat and we love to talk about Jesus.
The guys. They have been friends since 2000 as well, when they worked together. Don’t let their somber appearance fool you, these guys are a couple of wild ones. Really.
Lisa and I had battling cameras going for the majority of our time together. Most of the pictures we got were outtakes… super silly (and incredibly unflattering) and, needless to say, won’t get posted here.
Lisa and her beautiful Grace.
John and Lisa. Here she is, making him laugh. As usual. She makes everyone laugh.
Tom and Chenoa. Both being goofy. They are the perfect counterparts to each other.
Me and my man. Love the crooked glasses. Yes, he knows they’re crooked. And clearly he does not care. Good thing I think he’s so stinkin’ cute.
The girls. Gracie wasn’t too keen on being a part of the crew this year. This team was a bit too wild for her blood. Or a bit too boring. She’s not telling.
The oldest and the youngest of the 13 kiddos who were 
Day after Thanksgiving. Guess where we’re headed?
As if it couldn’t get any better, we stopped in a local hamburger joint for a quick bite to eat. And, in capturing the ‘moment’, embarrassed ourselves by posing for a complete stranger in front of a Santa hat- sportin’ Marilyn Monroe statue.
The end of the perfect day with my favorite group of ladies. Truly, God has knitted our hearts together. This Thanksgiving I am mindful of how blessed I am to call you both my friends. Next year we’ll have to plan on more time together. Three days was not enough.
So… from our collective crew to yours… Happy Thanksgiving!
Looks like Fun Times! Definitly, something to be Thankful for!
I miss you too! And yes, THREE days was NOT. ENOUGH. NOT!!!!!!!!! We will have to make it three weeks next time. and hey….I think you are counting wrong….I had EIGHT for Thanksgivings together…I thought we only missed last year….am I wrong? I must be getting alzheimers. Shoot. Thought I wouldn’t have to deal with that for another five years or so. Love you much, Stef! And hey…thanks for trying to find the non-puffy faced pics…you are a GREAT Friend. Love you! Me.
What fun!
What a wonderful blessing to have such close friends!!!
SOunds like you all had a great time and A LOT of fun. SO much to be thankful for 🙂
I third that–three days is way too short! Thank you for a wonderful thanksgiving. I just love you girls! Don’t trash those blackmale pictures of Lis yet-never know when we might need one!!Love ya!
There is nothing like some fun girlfriend time!
Have a great week~
What beautiful children AND adults and your blog is gorgeous too!!
Thought I would visit today!
Fun Times!
You are all algood lookin bunch.
I love the M.Monroe pic. That is classic!
A
Looks like such a fun day!!! What a beautiful crew you have.
Just found your blog – what a great family! We, too, adopted a SN little boy from China! I am glad we found your blog!
What a great group of friends that you all are….you are blessed! Looks like your Thanksgiving was a ball!
Sounds like a perfect Thanksgiving! What a FUN crew!! You all are so blessed to have each other!
I love this post!! It was fun to see you three together again! I am glad that they are both blogging – I missed them after they got home from China 🙂 Little stalker that I am. Soon I will have limited time for stalking 🙂
Glad you had such a great Thanksgiving weekend with family and friends! The photos are great.
what a fantastic Thanksgiving!! and wow the girls have grown up SO MUCH!!
Oh Stefanie…you can just feel the love!!!
You all definitely look like you had some serious fun and a very blessed Thanksgiving!
I just want you to know that I am a member of The Brunch Bunch — a group begun by my parents when I was a toddler and that continues to this day. We grew up together… five military families who flew to see each other over the holidays… and we are now adults who are in each others’ weddings and godparents to others’ children. Just wanted to share that with you.
Oh what fun!! What great friends! And just love the pics of all the kids.