Thanksgiving 2012

I'm intent on posting in order and catching up my posts. So Thanksgiving it is!
We hosted my family at our home...highlighting the fact that our new kitchen is not up to snuff for a large gathering. Our apartment size oven and lack of work space was clearly evident. The meal was 2 hours late because we had to rotate the baking, roasting, smoking Turkey, etc... Luckily my family is pretty patient, mostly. We ate yummy pickled beets and beans from the kitchen of Estee and Rick. Delicious muddy buddies and deviled eggs from Shalee and Matt. AND of course, no meal would be complete without 4 giant cheese balls brought by my Mom. Too many cheese balls by 3 1/2 cheese balls.

As usual, the Turkey was spectacular thanks to Alan's expert smoking skills. Everyone loved it's tender juiciness except Shalee. "I don't like moist turkey. I like it really dry." Oh well. Everything else was delicious. The burgundy mushrooms are fast becoming the dish everyone looks forward to--those and the sweet potato casserole.

Fun was had by all. Lots of laughter and hugs. Another successful Thanksgiving where we could share a meal while we celebrate the many blessings we have. The health and lives of our family and friends. Really, it's one of the best holidays, isn't it?

The table centerpieces.

My first, real attempt at centerpieces. They had their flaws but I was pretty proud of them.

Mabel and Alice

Lilly and Mabel putting the finishing touch on the sweet potatoes. They did such a great job!

Lilly was being silly and it tickled Mabel's funny bone.

Alice

Rick and Shalee being snarky with each other.

Hands were slapped.

L-R: Bob, Matt, and Josh

L-R: Matt, Shalee, Estee, and Bob

Estee and Rick

Kelsey

Shalee, Bob, and Estee

Shalee and Matt...I don't know what is going on with Matt in this photo.

Grandma and Lucy

Lilly and Daddy