Thanksgiving (artists at work)

When we have Jahn get togethers, especially with the Hamm family, I try to put together some crafty things for the kids to do.  If you take all the cousins, there are almost 20 of them, all under 20, and most of them like to sit down together--and I love watching.

After Amara's wattle, and heading home for a nap, we headed to mom and dad's for dinner.   It wasn't long after that the kids were up running, playing and snacking...long gone are the days of quiet and TV watching, lol!

Someone must have mentioned craft, because like a wave, the kids came up from the basement and we quickly cleared the kitchen table.  In a flash, we'd unpacked 16 ornaments, 2 containers of paint and I think close to a dozen paint brushes.  The kids picked out their favorite shapes--a tree for Amara and Cora picked a present and a ball ornament (I think--the fingerpainting kind of masked any design).

For over an hour, the kids and grown-ups alike all sat together with no fighting, but all laughing, telling stories, talking about Bob Ross, and just enjoying each other.  It was pretty cool.

The kids all marked their ornaments (important for once they are dipped and fired) and then grabbing a slice of pumpkin roll, piece of turkey, or pie, they all disappeared back into the basement for more playing.  The sounds of cackling, yelling, and friendship were so great to hear--makes me so happy to have such great family who all makes it a point to be together, even if it's only once a year.