Thanksgiving

the closest thing we got to a group photo 😆 

Our First Thanksgiving as The Kiesewetter Family

This Thanksgiving was a special one—it marked our first holiday together as The Kiesewetter Family and my first major celebration after my social media detox. Since stepping away from Instagram and Facebook, I’ve felt an enormous weight lifted. Without the constant pressure to curate or share every moment, I’ve been able to focus on simply living those moments.

Doug & Scoot manning the fryer

Because of this shift, I didn’t take many photos this Thanksgiving, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Instead of reaching for my phone, I spent my time soaking up the joy of being surrounded by family and laughter.

Thanksgiving Dinner

We had dinner at Doug’s ex-wife’s house—something I’m incredibly grateful for. Navigating blended family dynamics can be tricky, but we’ve built a foundation of mutual respect and understanding. I truly appreciate that we can all come together, no drama, no hard feelings, just a shared love for our family.

Doug fried the turkey to perfection (seriously, it was chef’s kiss), and I brought two dishes that have become my Thanksgiving staples: cranberry jalapeño dip and pumpkin swirl cheesecake. Both were a hit, as always!

The Star-Spangled Prank

One of the most interesting moments of the evening came completely out of left field. After I walked out of the restroom, I found everyone standing in the living room, belting out The Star-Spangled Banner. Confused, I paused, wondering if this was some kind of tradition I had missed. Turns out, it was all part of a prank! Doug’s ex-wife, Kim, and Mikayla had orchestrated the whole thing to confuse us “new members” of the family. Needless to say, it worked—I was thoroughly bewildered but couldn’t stop laughing once I realized it was a joke.

Jarod was a surprise but welcome guest for Thanksgiving break!

Outdoor Fun with the Kids

The boys, Scout, and I spent a good part of the day playing football and volleyball outside. The crisp air, the crunch of leaves underfoot, and the sheer joy of being active with the kids made the day feel so full. Seeing their smiles and hearing their laughter reminded me how precious these simple moments are.

A tender moment on the drive home with my hungover college kid after a week of adventures in the woods with his buddies.

Thanksgiving Break Highlights

The entire Thanksgiving break was filled with cozy, heartwarming moments. We spent hours by the fire, watching football, baking treats, and laughing over silly conversations. It was the kind of week that makes you stop and reflect on how blessed you are, even in the midst of life’s chaos.

As much as I loved this year’s gathering, I’m already looking forward to hosting Thanksgiving at our home next year. There’s something so special about creating memories in your own space, surrounded by the people you love most.

Here’s to more Thanksgivings filled with love, laughter, and maybe even a few unexpected pranks! 😊