We Gathered Together

I like the hymn that goes:

We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing;
He chastens and hastens His will to make known.
The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing.
Sing praises to His Name; He forgets not His own.

Beside us to guide us, our God with us joining,
Ordaining, maintaining His kingdom divine;
So from the beginning the fight we were winning;
Thou, Lord, were at our side, all glory be Thine!

We all do extol Thee, Thou Leader triumphant,
And pray that Thou still our Defender will be.
Let Thy congregation escape tribulation;
Thy Name be ever praised! O Lord, make us free!

This song of praise was originally written in 1597 to celebrate a Dutch victory.

OUR Thanksgiving began at our house in the wilderness with some of my sisters and most of my children's families with the table set and the blessing said we lined up and filled our plates. 

My name place cards were my favorite. And my glittery faux autumn leaves as my napkin rings ran a close second as my favorite, too. I always make name place cards so as we add new family members and guests every one feels welcome and there is no question or choosing were one might suppose to be seated. I like my ideas.

After the food feast, the ladies took up the activity of photo shootings. Who doesn't like to keep the memories alive in pictures. The guys were setting up to go on an evening deer hunt and show and tell with their guns and their latest hunting stories.

This was the next to the oldest and youngest on Thanksgiving Day. They made for a good pair.

I took way too long and way too many pictures of these 3. I just wanted that perfect smile and perfect look. But I was informed that does not exist.  So here's the no smile picture.

Here's the no more pictures picture.

Some of the turkeys of the day.

There were some play time in between.

It was a beautiful day.