A Very CPK Thanksgiving

Due to incompatible holiday weekend schedules, we did not get together with extended family for Thanksgiving.  But we did meet up on Sunday with my parents, my brother and his fiancé at California Pizza Kitchen.  My parents hadn’t seen the kids since August!   It is hard to believe our school and activity schedule has been so crazy that we haven’t gone to see anyone for a while!  Anyway, I think a good time was had by all.  We certainly stayed there long after we were done eating!

Sorry Mom!  (She doesn’t like having her picture taken).

Just Us

Two days and the day before Thanksgiving I made up our meal.  I hadn’t planned on it, but we changed our minds and decided to have traditional Thanksgiving fare.  And just so you know, Thanksgiving food reheats really well.

It was a great stress-free family day.  I was Thankful for the opportunity to serve others, to serve my family and to end the day with a feeling of peace.  I think the rest of the family felt it too.

Serving Those Who Serve Us

I have wanted to serve those who otherwise wouldn’t have a Thanksgiving Day feast for quite a while.  I always imagined doing this at a soup kitchen in the city (Chicago), but last year we heard of a wonderful opportunity to do something similar very close to our home.  So we signed up to serve.  The turnout was huge - almost 200 Navy servicemen and a few homeless as well.  It was our privilege to serve these young (very young) men who have committed to serving and protecting us.  I tried my best to make sure everyone at my table had what they wanted.  It was a pleasure to wait on them.  They were very polite and respectful.

 

Miles wished each man a Happy Thanksgiving and made a few friends.

 

People behind the scenes have very important jobs too.

 

I hope that my family will always have giving hearts.

(Miles has taken to giving this goofy smirk during pictures!)