Turkey Day 2008!

Before I get into the madness that was our family's Thanksgiving this year, I'd just like to take a moment and say how grateful and thankful I am for the amazing people in my life. This year hasn't been my favorite on record, and I couldn't have gotten through it without them.

Okay, so you can put your tissues away now. :) We were officially 14 people for the holiday this year! And we were so excited that our old friends Bill and Leslie were able to be with us this year. Since they were already in the area for a company thing for Bill, they extended it into a vacation too. Now that is smart thinking!

Everyone arrived on Wednesday, and Leslie helped mom and I get a head start on some of the cooking. We tried out some new recipes this year, and also brined the turkey for the first time, so anything to allieviate stress was welcome! Here's Leslie and my mom already hard at work:

And checking the recipe:

This year we tried out my aunt's stuffing recipe (and mom made a vegetarian version too), which called for bacon:

Seriously gross, but mom was nice enough to save the gibblets for the pets:

The Lion King (aka Pus, my parents ginormous cat) is obviously trying to use his catelepathy to get us to hand over the food:

Warning: busy cooks at work!

That night we all took turns playing the Wii, and since Leslie had never played before I helped show her how to bowl.

She thought it was hysterically funny, and Alex was confused. :)

Before I share photos from the next day, I have to give credit to Bill and my dad for letting me use some of their shots too. :)

You may have to avert young eyes for this one:

Getting ready for dinner was the typical craziness that it usually is, except we were all a lot more relaxed this year - I think it had a lot to do with Bill and Leslie being such amazing helpers (and maybe the champagne helped too, but I can't be sure).

Alex, caught in the act of filming. I made him play what he had recorded at the end of the day, and it was hysterical! Lots of funny snippets from throughout the day. :)

See? I cook! :) I was making the Pioneer Woman's Whiskey Glazed Carrots, and I had already made her Butternut Squash Puree the night before. Yum and yum!!

Have to keep track of whose glass is who's!

Lars started making the mashed potatoes a couple years ago, since he eats the most:

I love this reflection shot (water spots and all) that Bil caught with all the dishes set out:

And then mom got out her electric knife. And we scattered.

Hooray for crescent rolls! Who doesn't love them?

The finished bird. Let him serve as a warning that you don't mess with us. ;)

Gigantor kept an eye on Karl while he carved it. Apparently he needs to work on his mind-control skills.

After I finished making my dishes, I helped set the table (which I love - mom has the best taste in decor!). The wine glasses and goblets are all vintage from my mom's parents and I just love them!

This year we actually went out and bought a nice wood card table to add on, because we've finally outgrown the dining table (even with all the extra leaves in). Mom designed the awesome centerpieces - those are cranberries inside the vases to serve as anchors. So cute!

Dad's place setting - I made the placecards using a digiscrap kit from Songbird Avenue, which unfortunately is no longer available. But perfect for the fall/Thanksgiving theme!

Mom made the mistake of letting Eirik and I draw the faces on the radishes...

The table looks much better with food and wine all set. :)

Dinner's ready!!

Somehow we all managed to make it to the table at the same time. (Thanks for the photo Karl!) Going around the table from me, there was Alex, Lars, Sarah, Karl, Donna, my dad, my mom, Jen, Nate, Bill, Leslie, Eirik and Roseann. Phew!

Then of course it was cleanup time before we could all collapse on the couch. Gotta love being excused from duty because you cooked! :)

Casey (Donna's dog), eternally hopeful. Smart pup propped himself up in the corner so his legs wouldn't slide on the wood floor! :)

The next day was a nice lazy day full of leftovers, and we all watched some movies together before people started having to leave. All in all a fantastic holiday, and definitely the best food-wise to date! Now I really can't wait for Christmas!

Comments

[Mytimom]

Wonderful photos and descriptions, as usual! I love it!