Since we got married in '01, Brian & I have alternated whose family we spend Thanksgiving with. This year, we celebrated with my parents. (See photos from our last Turkey Day together in '07.) Last year, we traveled to Leavenworth to feast with my father-in-law's family.
We were blessed to have 13 people together this year: my parents; my brother Shawn & his family (Karla, Andrew & Christopher); my sister Jen & her family (Ryan & Kaden); and my sister Amanda & Kurtis.
We had to split into two tables. Instead of the little table being the kids' table, we dubbed it the "grand" table. My three nephews and their grandparents (my parents) ate here together ...
... while my siblings, their families and Brian & I sat here:
Some pre-feast photos:
Jen helped a lot with the meal this year.
Dad carving the turkey. (We also had ham this year. Yum!)
Christopher checking in on the chefs.
Kaden sporting a very weird post-nap hairdo.
Amanda's poodle Toby really loved Kaden this year. Toby got lots of treats by sitting underneath my nephew's high chair during the big dinner.
Jen & Kaden
Chow time!
After dinner, most of us met up to watch "The Blind Side." It was a much better movie than I expected, and I'd recommend it. There was enough humor to allow you to appreciate its inspirational side without feeling like it was too cheesy. Seeing a movie on Thanksgiving Day is a long-time tradition for my family. It began nearly 25 years ago when my family moved from Iowa to Illinois, where we were far away from extended family. So seeing a movie was a special treat the immediate family could enjoy together.
After the movie, we went back to Mom & Dad's for snacks, pie & games. I loved playing Rummikub. It's a family favorite, and we have my grandmother's game, which four generations have now played. What a special way to wrap up a blessed holiday.
We were blessed to have 13 people together this year: my parents; my brother Shawn & his family (Karla, Andrew & Christopher); my sister Jen & her family (Ryan & Kaden); and my sister Amanda & Kurtis.
We had to split into two tables. Instead of the little table being the kids' table, we dubbed it the "grand" table. My three nephews and their grandparents (my parents) ate here together ...
... while my siblings, their families and Brian & I sat here:
Some pre-feast photos:
Jen helped a lot with the meal this year.
Dad carving the turkey. (We also had ham this year. Yum!)
Christopher checking in on the chefs.
Kaden sporting a very weird post-nap hairdo.Amanda's poodle Toby really loved Kaden this year. Toby got lots of treats by sitting underneath my nephew's high chair during the big dinner.
Jen & KadenChow time!
After dinner, most of us met up to watch "The Blind Side." It was a much better movie than I expected, and I'd recommend it. There was enough humor to allow you to appreciate its inspirational side without feeling like it was too cheesy. Seeing a movie on Thanksgiving Day is a long-time tradition for my family. It began nearly 25 years ago when my family moved from Iowa to Illinois, where we were far away from extended family. So seeing a movie was a special treat the immediate family could enjoy together.
After the movie, we went back to Mom & Dad's for snacks, pie & games. I loved playing Rummikub. It's a family favorite, and we have my grandmother's game, which four generations have now played. What a special way to wrap up a blessed holiday.
No comments:
Post a Comment