November festivities

Right before Thanksgiving, we went to the town center for their annual Christmas tree lighting. They have different bands playing throughout the night and Dia Frampton, runner up on The Voice, was one of the performers.

Brooklyn was so excited to see Santa and Mrs. Claus

After all of the performers it was time for fireworks

And of course the Christmas tree!

While Greg was busy with school, we took a trip to the beach to collect some sea shells for some Christmas presents we were going to be making.

For being so close to Thanksgiving the weather was so warm and the water wasn't too cold.

The sun was too bright for her to open her eyes and smile.

The day before Thanksgiving, Brooklyn and I got a head start on dinner preparations. She is a master at making pies.

and of course licking the spatula when we finished.

Every year we do "Thankful Leaves". Brooklyn loved saying what she was thankful for this year, and most of the time it had to do with what she was having for dinner.

After a morning of football with guys from the ward, Greg took charge of carving the turkey.

We decided to have our own little Thanksgiving dinner this year, and it was so nice and relaxing!

Once Thanksgiving is over, it is time to whip out the Christmas tree!

Brooklyn loved helping decorate the tree this year

All dressed up Skyping with Grandma and Papa

One of Brooklyn's favorite Christmas movies is Elf. She insisted that I draw the picture on the cover of the movie over and over again.

One of our favorite things about Jacksonville is the lighted boat parade and firework show they have every weekend after Thanksgiving. We have come to it every year and LOVE it!

Some of the boats from the parade...

We had lots of friends join us this year, including one of Brooklyn's best pals Shaef.

and his mommy, Tennille.

Finally after the boat parade it was time for fireworks! They seriously put on the best display I have ever seen. Brooklyn's face pretty much sums it up!

After 10 mins or so of firing them into the sky, my favorite part happens! Both of the bridges turn into a water fall of fireworks! It is one of the coolest things I have ever seen

You can't help but be amazed every year!

We all love it!