The way we celebrate

Our Thanksgiving celebration was great fun with the company of the Smith Family and the R. Buckley Family.

Ryan, Shay and Co. got here on Wednesday in time for the kids to play a bit and for Shay and I to go get a few last-minute things for dinner and supplies for a craft project we worked on after the kids were in bed. While we crafted Bryan and Ryan enjoyed some "guy time" in front of the TV until the wee hours of the morning.

Thanksgiving morning the weather was nice and cool and the kids were ready to play outside. Uncle Ryan was the man of the hour when he got the pedal boat that was by our dock out on the little lake (they owner left it here but we weren't sure about using it...good thing Ryan has guts!).

Still in pj's but enjoying a little outside time before it is time to start cooking!

The kids also enjoyed feeding the turtles and fish (no ducks came close enough to eat) bread.

And when Audrey, Jordan and Jake arrived everyone was up for doing it again.

Bryan deep-fried the bird...and it turned out delicious! (And I was glad I didn't have to attempt a turkey...that is a very scary thought for me for some reason. People say it is easy, but I would be nervous about food-poisoning all my guests.)

Our collaborative feast was also complete with appetizers made by Catherine, Shay's fantastic stuffing, Catherine's rolls and cornbread, green beans, ham, potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes, jello salad and cranberries. There was enough food to feed an army.

It was a great day full of good food and good company. I am glad we could all enjoy together.

Above, the kids are eating these cute pilgrim-hat cookies Catherine made.

The day after Thanksgiving we opted out of Black Friday shopping (except a trip the guys took to Home Depot) and hung out at the house. Eleanore was in seventh heaven playing with Saveyah who gave her lots of sweet attention.

That evening, before Shay and Ryan had to head home, we kicked of the Christmas season by making sugar cookies.

Thanks to the Smiths and Buckleys for coming and making our holiday special...we had a great time partying with you all!