So Much Gratitude IV - Thanksgiving Day

I cannot even begin to express how much joy this day brought. Let's be honest and state that being away from both sides of the family for a holiday was not ideal in my book. But it turn out amazing.

Of course first on the agenda was the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Wow - did we really attend that? The energy in the city as we commuted to it was incredible. It's so hard to describe. It seemed like everyone was excited. I've never seen so many kids and strollers on the subways before. Of course the parade did not disappoint! We watched it from Central Park West and 64th St (I realize that means nothing to most of you!) We weren't die hard parade watchers, so we got there about 30 minutes before the parade started. We were about 20 people back from the edge of the parade. It sounds so far, and in reality it is, but the floats are huge, so we still got to see a ton. Well...let me stop by explaining when I say "we" I mean the kids! They were on our shoulders for the whole parade! Yes, it was tiring, but so worth it! We met our sweet friends the Potters as well as G-Daddy and JoJo. The McDurhams were already with us since they stayed with us. I'll start with the small stuff in pictures by showing you my view of most of the parade since Austin was on my shoulders:

Note Austin looking up at the float coming by!

I thought long and hard about those boots, the stroller wheels and the person in front of me pants! Ha!

That was just for a little laugh. In all seriousness, I truly enjoyed the parade. Back ache in all. I was in good company with other parents having back aches too :) Now for the real pictures!

 We walked across into Central Park after the parade was over.

We headed home, kids napped, Amy and I cooked. It was my first time to actually host a Thanksgiving. Amy totally took the reigns and graciously coached me along the way. What a special gift to have an amazing cook, baker, and dear friend join me in the endeavor! At 5pm people began to trickle in and before we knew it, out little 700 square foot was completely full. I think our total count was 18. Wow! Here's some of the fun moments!

The Spread!

My "new" "old" friend - Amy Pierson! Though we've only known one another for a few months, somehow I think she's been in my life since 1996! Ha!

Kyle, Amy's hubby chatting away with the kids. Pretty sure Austin's asking him about sitting on the kid bench!

Little does Jonathan know that in a few decades, he will look just like the man behind him!

Franze, Marie and Bahia playing with Jonathan

Krista reading to the kiddos!

I think they were getting ready to preform the parade. AKA - come running in the living room yelling "PARADE"
and running back  to the room!

Piersons meet McDurhams - only to find out they know 57 of the same people!

"Can I have a whoopie pie"? Well son, you've just said whoopie pie the absolute cuttest way ever... sure! Why not!

Yummm!

Everyone wanted a piece :)

Sweet friends :)

Loving living the adventure along side this stud!

proably the parade in action!

Marie's turn to read. The English speaking kids didn't mind that the book was in French!

So glad to have Aaron's dad and stepmom with us to share in the evening!

Debbie loved Ella - pretty sure Ella loved Debbie too :) Look at that smile!

This is my favorite picture of the whole week!

In the words of David, "There were Haitians, French, Jamaican, Brazilian, Ethiopian and American people there. Such an image of God’s kingdom. Such a fun spirit. Great food made even better by great people. It was really one of the most fun Thanksgivings of my life."

This day was such a picture of answered prayer. One of my biggest fears about moving to NYC was not finding community. It hit me very blatantly when Krista walked in and said, "Who are all these people." God is so faithful. This evening was incredible. In a room full of essentially strangers, there was such laughter, great conversations, and hugs exchanged that I know I'll carry with me for a long long time. I kept stepping back and saying to myself, is this really my life! Perhaps my favorite memory of the evening came from Franze. We actually invited Franze, Marie, and their daughter Bahia very last minute on Thursday morning after seeing them on the subway. Though we'd seen them several times on campus and at gatherings at Columbia, we'd never actually hung out with them. As they were walking out, Franze said, "Thank you so much for inviting us. It felt like family." Praise be to God! Yes, this is really our life in NYC. Abundance!