Memorable Thanksgiving Moments: Food, Fun, and Family

What a magical Thanksgiving it was! This year, the gathering took place at Anna and Parish’s house, and it felt extra special because we had so much fun preparing for it. Everything just seemed to fall into place with cleaning, yard work, crafting, and friends and family being available to celebrate together. Although the weather was cold, it was sunny, allowing the kids to play outdoors.

Valentina was also able to cook her favorite dishes, and she stayed up late with Parish to help him prepare the stuffing, ham, and turkey. Parish is an excellent cook, and Valentina is enjoying learning from him. He doesn’t just use pre-made stuffing; he makes his own breadcrumbs and prepares a special stuffing with sausage and apples. He also brines the turkey the night before and cooks it on the grill.

We invited Pip to join us in the kitchen, bringing along his favorite toys. Valentina made two cheesecakes, a green bean casserole, and a sweet potato casserole.

Linda helped organize the side dishes using SignUpGenius. I hope I can remember all the good things that were brought! Here is the menu this year!

Turkey on the grill

Apple Sausage Stuffing

Sweet Potato Casserole

String Bean Casserole

Oyster Rockefeller

Mashed Potatoes

Corn Casserole

Cranberry Dish

Rolls

Mac and Cheese

Sausage Balls

Develled Eggs

Chicken Nuggets

Tiramisu and Pecan Praline Cheesecake

Linda’s Mom’s Cherry Jello Fluff

Bacon Gravy

Parish’s Sauerkraut

Asparagus with Parmesan and Garlic

Cody learned to cut the turkey and wore the turkey hat this year!

We celebrated Kirsten’s acceptance into PA school at Wake Forest, Jax’s 18th birthday, a new car, and Vivian’s pregnancy with a baby boy in the spring.

We prayed and talked about expecting blessings, along with counting our blessings. How can we expect blessings when we know our future with God will be filled with grace and adventure?

The children were wonderfully chaotic and a blessing!

We created Christmas ornaments from the oyster shells at the family reunion in October. Isabella was thrilled to learn that we would be doing this! She shared that she had hoped to do this in the future (expected blessing).

Thank you Carrie for the children’s craft.

I had these pictures show up on my Facebook! I remember this time with my nephew and nieces, especially Dawson’s whimsical gingerbread house. (10 years ago!)