an Elwell sized Thanksgiving

Family is at the top of our list when it comes to things we are thankful for...and the Elwell family all came to Ohio for T-giving. So we partied non-stop for 4 days straight!

• Grandma Peg had all 7 kids in town. (Chris, Natalie, Pete, Nick, Jack, Matt & Billy)
• Which meant all 13 cousins were here too. (Ben, Rylee, Mitch, Sam, Sarah, Brooke, Reagan, Colin, Justin, Alex, Ana, Anthony & Chloe)
• For a grand total of...drum roll, please..27 Elwells under 1 roof.
• We spent 4 days with the family enjoying Thanksgiving dinner, nature park hikes, meals, zoo trip, Kris Kringle gift exchange, sleepovers, outside time in the beautiful weather, and just catching up with one another. As crazy as it sounds, I also managed to sneak away and make trips to get frozen yogurt and a pedicure! 
• Colin & Justin are exhausted...but in a good way. Nothing beats spending time with a grandma, aunts and uncles who spoil you and cousins who play with you. =)

 Colin's Thanksgiving sign, welcoming Aunt Natalie home for Thanksgiving.

 All of the kids love their Aunt Natalie time.

 Grandma Peg with all of her kids.

 All 13 cousins went on the nature walk. Here is an attempt at a group shot. Craziness, right?

The boys loved playing with their cousins, and the weather continued to be outstanding - so they enjoyed lots of outdoor play. Of course, we had moments where we had to help them share with each other - but we also had moments when we would just stare at them playing and taking care of one another. Love family time.

 Justin absolutely loves his cousin, Ana. Ana is about 8 months younger than J, and she lets him follow her around and stare at her.

 

 We also had a family celebration for Colin's 4th birthday (not until Nov 30). He requested rice krispies for his "cake." Wouldn't you love life if you had this many family members singing happy birthday to you?

Aunt Natalie & Colin. Grandma makes these amazing quilts for the kids - and this year, she gave Colin his quilt! It's amazing - huge, great colors and thick like a comforter. "Grandma made this just for me. I will share it with you if we are in the living room. But it's going to be in my room at night." - C.

We managed to use our our new "Christopher Pop-in-kins" (elf on a shelf) for the boys this year. Colin is not a fan of the elf at all. "Can we poke it with a stick and send it back to the North  Pole?" - C. Justin, on the other hand, loves it. "Elf. Pop. Move?" J's always looking for that elf, talks to it and shows it toys and other stuff.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Hope you enjoyed some crazy fun family times too.