Thankful for Family and Flag Football!

Thanksgiving has always been my most favorite holiday -- not because the table is filled with mounds of mashed potatoes and gravy (my fave), but because the table is filled {insert sappy comment} by those we love most! It is truly a day to count our blessings and be thankful for all that we have, as well as all of the life experiences that have made us who we are. 

I feel it goes without saying that we will never be more thankful than we are for being Jacob's parents. Jacob taught us what is truly important in life ~ Love & Family! Jake was such an amazing little boy, who filled our hearts with love and brought joy into our lives that has forever bonded our families. There is no greater gift than what Jacob gave all of us.

In honor of Jacob, we kicked off (literally) the day with an early morning flag football game at the park near our house. Josh's brother, Glenn organized the fun-filled game and we had quite the crowd of people turn out to play, as well as cheer on the teams. We even had special shirts for the occasion - grey pirates for the Raiders and red miners for Niners. I could think of no better way to spend Thanksgiving day, than being surrounded by those you love engaged in a 'friendly' game of flag (with a tiny bit of tackle) football. Our morning was filled with coffee, breakfast snacks, a couple of land mines (dog poo), a few stitches, and lots of laughs. It was the perfect way to bring us all together and honor Jacob.

 

Team Jacob

The shirts

 

Prepping the field (a.k.a. picking up doggie doo)

Pre-game practice throws
 

Picking teams...I want you "tall guy", "fast guy", "kid", "old guy"

Some of the 'red team' - go Niners!

Gearing up...putting on flags

Chase sporting his game flags

Josh and Glenn (official Jacob flag football game coordinator)

Let the game begin!

Auntie Hope and Kelly Joy

I'm pretty sure there is some tackle football going on in this pic, but I'm no referee

 

 

Great-Grandma Sharon in her festive feathered head attire

 

 

 

 

 

Kelly sitting at Jakey's bench with Grandpa Dennis

 

 

The absolute best part of the day was when a little ladybug flew onto Kelly (on the top of her hat) ~ incredibly special!
We knew that Jacob was with us all.

Our hearts (and tummies) are filled because of our amazing and supportive family, as well as our closest friends who truly are an extension of the Brooks/Kelly/Cotruvo/Strand fam! Thanks to all of our family and friends for all of your unconditional love and support. We love you all so very much!

2014 conditioning begins now...see you all on the field next year!!