Happy Thanksgiving!

The big day is finally here!  The house is clean, the chairs all set up, and the rolls made--awesome job by Naomi. 

 

The boys headed out to the turkey bowl and had a great time.

 

 

 

At lunchtime we made the kids eat outside to preserve the progress made inside.  And it was like 55 degrees.  Warm.

 

 

Me and the centerpiece arrangement I made.

 

 

The tables (there were three) all set up.

 

 

My little turkeys are sweet!  This picture was SO blue straight out of camera that it couldn't be fixed to look remotely natural.  So I went with a retro feel.

 

 

I was in charge of the baked turkey, brined overnight in salt water, and covered in bacon.  People really liked the covered in bacon part.

 

 

Brad was in charge of both the smoked turkey,

 

 

and the fried.  I have to admit, when he brought in the smoked turkey, I was less than impressed.  It looked, as you can see above, like it was charred.  HOWEVER.  It was wonderful, and I think the best thing Brad has smoked!

 

 

We had 25 people in the house, with donations of food for us to enjoy.  The spread was wonderful, and everything was absolutely delicious.

 

 

As everyone was gathering for the evening in our home, it started snowing, and it was truly magical.  You could see the snow falling outside the windows,

 

and we were all cozy and happy inside.

 

 

It kept falling all through the hours everyone was there, and we now have snow!

 

 

This was truly a wonderful holiday.  We have so many things to be thankful for.  Our lives are brimming with blessings and our hearts with gratitude for them.  This day went so well.  Naomi and Joe have both been great helps in making this go smoothly with so many people.  We are so thankful for our friends and our families far away!  Happy Thanksgiving!  (And I am not setting foot in a mall tomorrow!)