Happy Thanksgiving – 2023!

Happy Thanksgiving Day!

My heart is so full, and happy, and grateful today.
And not just today – 2023 has been an incredible year – full to the brim with adventures and new endeavors (the most recent of which we’re currently up to our eye-balls in, but can’t tell the world about just yet – so so so soon though!) We’ve traveled more than ever, worked harder than ever, and our kids have grown bigger than ever.

But today I am especially thankful for:
– Derrick and his hard work to support our family. He not only provides for us, but keeps our life exciting with all of the adventures he plans. He knows when to work hard and when to rest. He does so much for our family (like washing the dishes every night and keeping track of when we need to change the oil in our cars). It’s hard to believe that we’ve been married for almost 14 years – and while the “honeymoon” stage is long over, I love the comfortable (and exciting) rhythms we’ve created for our family together.
– Braelynn and her unwavering commitment to learn new things. This year, we’ve watched her teach herself how to ride a bike – she was so determined and that determination paid off! Riding bikes has been one of her new ultimate favorite pastimes. She’s also taught herself how to crochet things – between my sister and myself, we taught her the basics of crocheting – but then she absolutely took off and now creates little animals, outfits for her stuffies, she’s made scarfs and is attempting a hat (all without a pattern of any kind!) She’s amazing and her determination is inspiring.
– Leander and his sweet spirit. He is so empathetic and kind, so caring and seems to instinctively know if something is wrong. He’s becoming more and more of a snuggler – he wants to learn and do everything his big sister does. He thinks big thoughts, loves to talk my ear off, and always holds the door open for us. I love how his little personality is growing and deepening – he is incredible.

I truly am blessed beyond words.

Thanksgiving for us has been going on all week – we started celebrating last weekend when “The Other Abbeys” came to visit (Derrick’s brother’s family). We cooked a big traditional Thanksgiving meal on Sunday and have been feasting on leftover turkey and pie ever since. (In all seriousness, my favorite part about Thanksgiving dinner is the leftovers – how are they so good?!) And we’ll continue our feasting today with my family.

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And, because what is a post without photos? Here are a few of the family photos that my sister (and favorite photographer) Ellen took of us a few weeks ago (I’m obsessed with them!)

If you’d like to take a trip down memory lane, check out the last few year’s Thanksgiving posts where I highlight our family’s photos that Ellen has taken for us (maybe grab some tissues first – how are my babies growing so fast?!)

2022’s post: https://www.karaabbey.com/happy-thanksgiving-2022/
2021’s post: https://www.karaabbey.com/happy-thanksgiving-2021/
2020’s post: https://www.karaabbey.com/happy-thanksgiving-2020/
2019’s post: https://www.karaabbey.com/happy-thanksgiving-2019/
2018’s post: https://www.karaabbey.com/happy-thanksgiving-2018/
2017’s post: https://www.karaabbey.com/happy-thanksgiving-2017/
And 2016’s post: https://www.karaabbey.com/happy-thanksgiving-2016/