Peyton Turns 15 - Thanksgiving 2023 - Baking Day

On Thanksgiving, Ron and I, along with the Siegers, worked at the annual Community Thanksgiving dinner, serving 1000 meals which were delivered throughout the county.  I had baked a turkey breast the day before which Ron delivered to the Senior Center.  After we served, we took our meals (which they give you for working) to the Siegers for a Friendsgiving lunch.  Debbie had also made sweet potato casserole and cranberry relish - I supplemented with homemade rolls and cherry pie.  We were tired after working all morning and took naps in the afternoon.

On the Friday after Thanksgiving, Amanda, Chad, Peyton, Garrison and Bingo arrived for "our" Thanksgiving where I served ham, mashed potatoes, homemade rolls, green beans and broccoli slaw salad.  Prior to the meal, we celebrated Peyton's 15th birthday.  We gave her cash, a Ninja Creami and some Sephora and Lululemon gifts she wanted.  She requested Angel Food Cake with strawberries and whipped cream which was tasty.   We all signed the signature family tablecloth - only 6 of us this year.  Mark was here last year and signed - his last Thanksgiving on earth.   We miss him.   

Peyton received her restricted Kansas Driver's License on Tuesday.  She drove her Mom to Clinton - first time for that long of a trip behind the wheel.

After lunch, we played our annual games, which Garrison loves and we all had a good time with - Saran Wrap Ball, Birdies in the Muffin Tin, Ping Pong Balls in the Muffin Tin, and "Have you Ever".  We also did a gift exchange game with mints.  We had a great time.  

Garrison unwrapped 3 bags, 96, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups for baking day on Saturday.  His job since he was 2 years old.  Chad and Garrison had to go home Friday late afternoon because of baseball commitments on Saturday.  Amanda and Peyton were able to spend the night.  Peyton and I played Trouble, Trash and Kings in the Corners.  Grandpa took her to Taco Bell for dinner.   Amanda pacified me and played the piano - I love to hear her play.  

On Saturday, Grandpa took Peyton to Scooters for coffee and to The Donut Palace to get us all donuts.  Our 19th annual Baking Day was a big success.  We baked 8 dozen peanut butter cup muffin cookies, peanut butter fudge, Grandma's fudge (Amanda's first time of making it, and it was great), puppy chow and peanut butter balls.  We had a blast.

Peyton and Grandpa had McDonald's for lunch.  She had mixed up ice cream for her new Ninja Creami the night before - had to freeze 24 hours.  She finished it after lunch - it was so yummy and fun to do. 

We are blessed - God is good. 

 

First 3 weeks of November 2023

 It's been a busy November so far.  Not sure if I included in the previous post, so there are some pictures here of Peyton's band festival in Wichita - it was cold outside.  They marched in a parade and also did their field show - received a I rating.  Amanda, Chad and Garrison about froze, but they watched and sat in the rain.

Once again (have done it for 9 years now), I worked at the election.  Slim crowd due to only voting on city tax, but we had a good group and a good time.  

We initiated 3 new sisters in to Chapter IU, P.E.O. Sisterhood.  I am president, so it was my privilege to welcome my friends Jennifer Kiely, Marnie Bellamy and Meredith Cooper.  

Attended Garrison's first band concert - he is playing the euphonium and doing a great job.  The 6th graders had only been playing an instrument since mid-August - wow - they did great.  We picked Amanda up at the T-Mobile campus and had a light supper with her before the concert.  Peyton was at cheer practice.

Amanda bought her "mid-life crisis" car - a Mercedes Convertible.  It is quite a car with many bells and whistles including managing seats.  It is beautiful!!

Peyton was the alternate for the State cheerleader contest which was yesterday.  Amanda joined Peyton for a fun day including a brunch at the school before they traveled to Topeka for the competition - as of this writing, they were in the top 6.  Peyton is doing great as a cheerleader and loves it.  

Peyton will get her restricted driver's license on Tuesday.  She turns 15 tomorrow.  

We went to Garrison's first basketball of the season with a somewhat new team.  A few players are from his previous team, but they are the Knights now.  They won!!!!  A good game.  

God is good and we are blessed.