The rest of October flew by and by the time we knew it it was thanksgiving break and Molly's birthday was coming up. Also in two weeks we would have the meeting with Molly's teacher to decide on the homeschooling option. We were really hoping Molly could stay in the classroom but again we wanted what was best for Molly to help her have the best education.. she really did seem to learn the best in a one on one setting. But for now we wanted to focus on thanksgiving and Molly's birthday.

Since Molly's birthday was on a Monday this year she decided to have a weekends similar to Annie's. She wanted a sleepover party with her school and orphanage friends and a special girls day with grace. We are having thanksgiving at our house this year. Grace's sist r Jen and her two kids are flying in the Wednesday before thanksgiving and Melissa he husband and son are coming early Thursday morning. Since I have been orphaned at an early age as I had no other relatives that I knew of it was just going to be Grace's family this year. I couldn't wait to spend my first thanksgiving with a real family. Before then I wouldn't hav thought twice on even celebrating thanksgiving but now I have more than enough to be thankful for this year.

The Wednesday before thanksgiving grace Annie Molly and I went to pick up their aunt and cousins from the airport. They were both so excited to see their cousins again since th last time they were together was our wedding over a year ago. We arrived to the airport and Jen and the kids were just getting off th plane. Annie and Molly ran up to their cousins and hugged them. Grace hugged her sister

"I'm so glad you could make it Jen! Thank you for spending thanksgiving with us this year! Do you remember Oliver?"

"I'm glad I could spend it with your family too and yes I remember Oliver great to see you!"

I shook her hand warmly and led everyone back to the car. We had a nice late lunch and let everyone catch up. Annie of course was chatting away with Kathryn but Molly seemed a bit quiet. Once noticing Annie tried to include her in on the conversation which got her talking about school, her dyslexia and friends. I smiled at the way Annie was trying to get Molly to come out of that shell of hers. I was proud of Annie for that and for Molly for trying to b less shy. We headed back to the mansion and let the kids play outside for s bit before it got dark. Grace Jen and I sat and caught up ourselves. Grace then mentioned Molly's dyslexia and having s tutor and how she wished her parents were here to give her advice. I put an arm around her and let her lean into me.

"Remember grace your parents are smiling down on you and I bet they are so proud of you for being such a wonderful mother to our girls."

"You're right Oliver I love you."

I kissed grace glad she was comforted and could get a little advice from her sister .jen then promised she and Kathryn would help Molly with her and I smiled at were so glad Molly had a wonderful aunt and cousin who were willing to help her too. We had a light dinner and spent some time together in the study before we all headed off to bed early since it would be an early and long day the next day.

The next day I was woken up by a very excited 6 year old.

"Mama Daddy wake up! It's thanksgiving!"

Molly was jumping up and down on the it was thanksgiving but when I looked at the clock I noticed it was only 530 in the morning.

"Yes honey it is thanksgiving but it's still very early so why don't you try to sleep for a few more hours Ok?"

"Ok daddy are the ou still taking us to the parade today?"

At first I wasn't sure which parade she was talking about then I remembered talking about maybe taking the girls to the Macy's Thanksgiving day parade. That must hav been in her mind for a while. I smiled and ruffled her hair.

"Yes we will go to the parade but it's not for a few more hours let's get some all ok?"

At that Molly snuggled in between me and grace and soon fell asleep again at 830 we were awakened by a very excited 12 year old.

"Happy thanksgiving mom daddy and Molly!"

I got up to give Annie a kiss and grace soon got up and hugged her daughters.

"Happy thanksgiving! Let's get some breakfast your aunt uncle and cousins should be arriving soon and we're going to the parade together!"

"Leapin lizards!"

Annie then took Molly's hand and scramble done the stairs to get breakfast. Grace and I followe after and met everyone in the dining room. After a light breakfast we got ready for the day and Melissa arrived at 11 just an hour before the parade. Everyone was greeted hugged and settled in. We then headed out for the parade to get a god spot. We alol rally did enjoy the parade especially Annie and Molly since it was their first one.

"Oh boy! Look Molly there's Santa!"

Molly jumped up and down trying to get a view of Santa riding down the street on his sleigh. I put Molly up on my shoulders so she could have a better view. She squealed with excitement. Grace and I were glad the girls could really have their first thanksgiving with a real family. After the parade we headed beck to the mansion where the kids played outside and we got dinner ready. Grace really seemed to be enjoying having her sisters her and helping make dinner. I never had a family to help cook with but I really enjoyed helping getting everything together ith grace and her sisters. Dinner was ready at 4. Before eating I made a toast.

"I want to take the time to say how thankful I am to have each and every one of you here for thanksgiving. My family has come such a long way in one year and I am incredibly proud of al of you. Ro another year together happy thanksgiving!"

"Happy thanksgiving!"

Everyone started eating and talking. It was a great meal and the rest of the evening was spent together playing and catching up and promising to get together for Christmas and New Years. We had an apple pie and cake for Molly's birthday. She was glad she could celebrate with her cousins and this Saturday with her friends. We all headed to bed early since we were all exhausted.

The next morning jen Kathryn Jake and Melissa and her family all left. Molly and Annie really enjoyed spending time with their cousins and grace and I were so glad they all got along so well and couldn't wait to spend holidays and summers together. Grace promised the girls that they could visit their cousins in Chicago that summer they were both excited about that. The rest of the day was spent together and setting up for Molly's party the next day.

Saturday was spent mostly setting up and waiting for Molly's friends to arrive. She invited 3 girls from school and her orphanage friends. Molly was so excited for them to come and couldn't wait to see her orphanage friends again. Everyone arrived at 4 and grace led the girls upstairs where thy our their stuff-and they all headed outside to play. I was glad we could give both Annie and Molly a great birthday party and they could get anything they wanted. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves and this time around Pepper didn't make fun of Molly which grace and I were glad about.

After dinner cake and presents the girls went to the movie room to watch movies for the rest of the night. Grace and I went to th study to get some or done. I went to check on Annie and Molly before heading to bed. I went to see Annie first where she was as always reading in bed.

"Goodnight annie I'm glad you had a great thanksgiving and Molly's party."

"Thanks for a great thanksgiving I love you and mom so much. Goodnight daddy I love you."

I gave her a gentle kiss before leaving the room to check on Molly.

"Goodnight Molly I love you happy birthday."

"Thank you Daddy I love you thanks for giving us a great thanksgiving and a great birthday weekend fo me."

"You're very welcome don't stay up too late talking."

I kissed Molly then left her to be with her friends. I was glad she was enjoying herself. I then went to our room and got into bed and snuggled up with grace. I kissed her softly and let her sleep in my arms. By the time we knew it we were both peacefully asleep and happy in each other's arms. I'm so glad to have a wife and kids to share the holidays with and couldn't wait for more holidays to come. The next day the girls woke up at930 and met us for breakfast for chocolate chip pancakes. Everyone chattered about all the fun events of yesterday and their plans for the next time they'd get together. Molly's friends left at noon and Annie and Molly went to get ready for their girls day with grace. While they were out I got some rest snd more work done. It was a great weekend for all of us. Annie Molly and grace cake bsck for dinner and cake. Molly really enjoyed her special girls day. They went to the aquarium the movies and ice cream. The rest of the night was spent together as a family before another hectic week of work and school the next day. Both girls didn't object at all when it was time for bed. We were all exhausted and very happy we all slept great that night. Thankful for many many things.