Thanksgiving Feasts

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. There is nothing like having an excuse to eat yourself sick, even though every year you commit to only eating until you're full. The latter is impossible. In our family, we kick off the Thanksgiving holiday the Sunday before Thanksgiving with a feast with Dad, Kathy, the kids and grandkids. We set-up the grub hall in the basement and elbow to elbow we pass around the bird, the frozen jello salad, the stock pot of Stove Top stuffing, 10lbs of mashed potatoes, and don't forget the bean casserole and homemade rolls. You have your choice of beverages (I always take a Diet Coke or Diet Dr. Pepper, but only really drink bottled water). And we mustn't forget the PIE! Good ol' Costco pumpkin pie, each slice the size of Texas with a giant dolup of Cool Whip.

This year we started a new family tradition by going around the table to vocalize what we are thankful for. It seems we are all grateful for our family, our friends and our freedoms, but I think Jasmine said it all when she said she was thankful "for the food." Every year the grandkids (plus Kati, Emily and Riley) get a Christmas advent calendar - the ones where you open the paper door and out falls a waxy piece of chocolate. This is a favorite among the kids. I wanted one too, so while shopping at the Dutch store the other day I picked one up for me and Vic. It will be a race to see who gets that waxy chocolate first!

This year we spent Thanksgiving day with Mom and Randy and the gang. Ben and Laura were in town and joined us, along with Jen and Gerardo and Uncle Mike, and Nic and Jon and their family were at the house for a few minutes before heading to Cushings for their feast. There was a feast similar to Sunday's feast with Dad (really, how much can you mix-up Thanksgiving?). Randy was ambitious this year and cooked up three turkeys - one fried, one baked and the other smoked. All three were so delicious. Again, elbow to elbow we gathered in the dining room and ate ourselves sick. Luckily this year Vic and I ran in the Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot 6K in City Creek Canyon, so the feast was slightly guiltless.

Notice the red "frozen" Cranberry Salad in the center of the table.

That was my contribution which basically melted before dinner started.

What is up with Mr. Crazy Eyes??