Lauren's First Thanksgiving

4 Generations


The Hanson Family


Lauren with cousin Will and Aunt Kath.


What a wonderful Thanksgiving week we had! Geoff, Lauren, and I left for Michigan on Tuesday afternoon. We spent Tuesday evening walking around Rockford with Grandpa Paul and Grammie Sue and then enjoyed dinner at the Corner Bar (a Rockford tradition). We celebrated Thanksgiving at Great Gram's and Papa Bruce's house Wednesday evening. It was great to be together with the entire family. Lauren loved being passed around to all the family members who just love her so much. Even cousin Will was brave enough to hold Lauren. (See picture above) On Thanksgiving Day we went to Aunt Sarah's house and celebrated with 44 members of Grandpa Paul's family. It was great catching up with everyone. Then on Thursday evening, we celebrated Christmas back at Great Gram's house. Friday was Geoff's day with Lauren, as I went shopping with all my female relatives. Then, Friday evening Grammie Sue and Grandpa Paul were kind enough to watch Lauren, while Geoff and I went out with our college friends. It was great to catch up with them and enjoy a night out in Grand Rapids. Saturday was another busy day, as we had lunch with Joe, a friend from high school and college and then went out with the fam to celebrate Dad and Geoff's birthdays. Laura and her family were kind enough to watch Lauren so we could go bowling and to dinner. That was after Lauren had her first experience in the cry room at church. She was really interested in the other little baby that was just a few weeks younger than her. Sunday morning started with a wonderful breakfast made by Grammie Sue, then a visit to Grandma and Grandpa Hanson's house before we braved the snowy roads to head home to Highwood.

Overall, we had a fantastic time with our family! We have so much to be thankful for. Of course first on our list is Little Lauren, but the time with family, and having Aunt Stephie and Uncle Jon live with us top our list as well. I am also so thankful for the ability to stay home with Lauren for 20 full weeks! She is growing up so much each day and I just love being here for it all. Traveling and visiting family with a little one sure is different and I am still trying to get the hang of it all, but I wouldn't change anything!