Thanksgiving

This year Jay and I hosted Thanksgiving at our home for Jay's family. Everyone but two siblings were able to make the trips. So we had one loud, active, full, and fun house. Jay's folks came down early on Tues and helped me get the house set up, cook and do a lot of prep work. Let's just say the three of us worked hard and had some great bonding time. =-) Thank you so very much!!!!

Wednesday was the day everyone else was to arrive. First is was Matt and Emily. Then it was Annette and Judy with all of the kids, followed by Randy and Doug. Everyone brought side dishes, food to share, chairs and more. It was quite the ordeal. =-)

Matt and Emily with the girls, after a long day's trip.

For me this was the first time that I've cooked turkey, stuffing and gravy. As one of my friends said this was the "mother load of all meals". But after a lot of phone calls to my mom, an amazing recipe from a friend from church and help from my mother-in-law, it was a success!!!! Plus I had fun pulling out many of our wedding gifts and other pieces I have collected over the years. If anyone saw the Target commercial of the lady preparing for her first thanksgiving, that was me!!!

My finished turkey!!!

Jay was the official turkey...wait I mean turkey carver. =-) j/k

His dad and brother also jumped in to help out. It was male bonding time.

This was my first time making my grandma Freese's cranberry Jell-o mold.

It turned out really good.

On Thanksgiving day, our Oregon mom and dad (Larry and Debby Barnum) joined us. All in all we had 12 adults, 5 kiddos and a yummy turkey on the table. =-)