Our Thanksgiving

The last few years have found us all gathered at our house for Thanksgiving. I did try to get someone else to take the responsibility this year, but no one stepped up. Next year maybe. I really don’t mind though. My family is loud and there is a lot of chaos with all the children (5) and dogs (7) running around, but my family is also a lot of fun too.

This year, I decided to wrap part of our turkey in bacon as well as cooking it in a bag like I normally do. It turned out DELICIOUS if I do say so myself; so juicy and tender and tasty. Yum!

It has become our tradition to exchange Christmas gifts with my immediate family over Thanksgiving. We do a Secret Santa drawing for the adults who want to participate and then anyone who wants to can purchase gifts for the kids.

The kids made out like little bandits this year. Adrianna got a pink hoodie and denim-looking stretchy pants (cute!) and a Mario hoodie which she has worn almost daily since. She also got a plush Mario and a Yoshi. They have joined the ranks of Teddy Bear when it comes to the coveted bedtime spot and also have received a lot of playtime. She also received some new books which we have enjoyed reading together.

Bree got a bunch of adorable 18 month outfits, including some new rainbow pants and some denim stretchy pants that match Adrianna’s. She also got a caterpillar toy which she keeps taking apart (as designed) no matter how many times a day I find myself putting it back together and back in the toy box.

Both Greg and I received some of the books on our wishlists. I can hardly wait to start reading my new acquisitions. I already have two books going right now though (Five Love Languages of Children and Little Women) so I must wait until I finish at least one of them before delving into that tempting new Tosca Lee book (Demon: A Memoir).

After dinner and gifts, I was able to talk everyone into playing a game of Bunco. We had 10 adults + Ebony to play, so we only needed one ghost. Only three of us had every played before but everyone seemed to catch on quickly. If noise and exclamations could be used as a gauge or a fun-meter, then I would say that everyone had a blast playing. I ended up winning most buncos, which was pretty cool. At one point in the game, I rolled a bunco followed by another bunco on the next immediate roll. Nga won high score. I can’t remember who won low score or most baby buncos, so someone chime in and let me know so I can update that!

Adrianna and Layla were inseparable for the entire weekend. It was fun to watch although sad for poor Aidan who was often left out.

Here they are being ballerinas.

I love this picture of the cousins. Both of them have on a nightgown worn by their mothers when we were little. This was unplanned.

Thanks everyone for another fun holiday weekend. Next year at the Hayfords’ new place…or maybe the Davis’ place?