Our Thankful Tree

I saw the idea to make a "Thankful Tree" on Pinterest and knew that was something that I wanted to do. So for family home evening, Patrick gathered up the branches (in the rain), while I cut out circles (in the warm dry house). The boys loved this, and so did I! So for the week leading up to Thanksgiving, I thought it would be good to add something we were thankful for each night before family prayer. That happened maybe once, but I'm planning to do better next year. Here is a few of our blessings in no particular order:

Patrick:   To have a job, Lori, William's Neurologists and modern medicine/technology.

Lori:  Electricity, Family, To be home and healthy, and Watching Will and Jack play together.

Will:  "My daddy who plays with me," Peppa Pig, "Not going to the hospital"/Healthy, Chocolate Milk, the Sacrament.

Jack:  Crayons, Drawing, Blanket and Bear, and "Thankful William's not in the hospital."

4 Years Old

Apparently the ride on Thomas made a big impression on Will's idea of what a birthday party needs to consist of. He insisted on another train ride. So we headed down to Chattanooga for a ride on the Chattanooga Choo Choo. It was a beautiful fall day to drive through that part of Tennessee, and through the woods on the train. Gorgeous colors everywhere! We were able to explore lots of train cars before and after our ride. The train station was also really neat, old-timey, and decorated for Christmas.

Later that evening we had cake and ice cream and Will opened up a few presents.

Some of Will's Favorites

Songs: If You're Happy and You Know It, Big Green Tractor, and Fire Truck

Colors: Blue and Yellow

Shows/Movies: Peppa Pig, Fireman Sam, and The Incredibles.

Things to do: Playing outside, ride bike, and dig in the dirt.

Places: Train Station, Nonna and Pa's, Rocky River, Home Depot, Zoo, and Publix.

Foods: oatmeal and blueberries, grandma Hitchcock's butter rolls, pizza, any type of soup as long as there are oyster crackers, brownies, and mommy's chocolate oatmeal cookies.


William also really likes to dance and read books. He loves going to the library. If you ask him what his name is he'll tell you "Weeyum Patrick Benton Jones" which is mostly correct. He prefers being called Weeyum instead of Will but doesn't mind if you call him Will. He and Jack have started playing more together now that his seizures are more under control. It has been so good to see them playing together again. I know Jack has really missed playing with his big brother. Their favorite thing to play together is firefighters.

William,

We love you so much and are amazed at how resilient you have been through all the ups and downs this year. Being 3 has been tough and rough on you! You have helped teach us so much more about patience, faith, gratitude, and enjoying the not so little everyday moments that are all too often and too easily taken for granted. We now feel the need to celebrate (in some way) every "good" day that the Lord gives us. We are so proud of you little man.

Love you so much,
Mom and Dad

In the tunnel

Waiting for the train

Tickets!

Red Caboose