One of two five-year Colts Cheer veterans, for Leanna it's the opportunities that keep her coming back.

"It's the little things that we do that are just so meaningful to me and to others – touching others' lives, the power we have as a group and the impact we leave on people," she says. "It's an awesome feeling. I'm kind of addicted to it. I don't know how I'm going to turn this off. I'm not sure I want to turn it off."

One of the opportunities she's looking forward to this season is dancing with her mom on game day when the Colts play the Tennessee Titans on November 26th. Last year, the junior cheerleaders danced with their dads during a halftime show. This year, they're dancing with their moms – and the cheerleaders are joining them with their moms.

"It's a day that I've always dreamed of, but didn't think it would happen. To share the field with my mom, it's pretty cool," she says.

It's also a chance to thank her mom for all she's done for her over the years.

"She's been at everything, every single thing from age two on. I started dancing when I was two. I started competing at a young age, too – I think five was my first dance competition. To Chicago, to Florida, to all sorts of places – she's always there."

Now, it's her chance to shine. And Denise is ready for her moment in the spotlight.

"Other moms are not wanting to come up to the front and she's like, 'Oh, yeah. We're going to be in the front.' She loves it. After practice, she couldn't wait to get on her phone. She was texting my aunt and my cousin, 'I killed it!'"

The week of Thanksgiving is all about family. And for Leanna and her family, it's a time to eat, drink, and entertain.

"The whole family, we love to dance. We have talent contests. We had a dance off one year. We did old dogs versus the young bucks. Everybody participated, even my Grandpappy, he's in his 80s."

This year, Thanksgiving will give Leanna and Denise a chance to practice in front of an audience.

"They're going to want to see this. We're probably going to have a dress rehearsal out there, just the two of us showing them our dance."

Being surrounded by family on Thanksgiving is something Leanna loves. She also loves sweet potato pie, green bean casserole, and helping out in the kitchen.

"That's my role," she says. "I know my role."

It's a role that helps her pace herself when it comes to eating.

"As the day goes on, you're tasting stuff. I'm tasting it, I'm eating it. So come dinnertime, I'm full. I never really go crazy."

At the end of the day, Thanksgiving is about gratitude.

Leanna is thankful for her loving, supportive family.

She's also thankful for the five years she's been a part of the Colts Cheer family.

On Thanksgiving weekend, those families will come together and make a special memory.

And for that, she's truly grateful.