Thanksgiving 2012

We have been dreaming of cooking our first Thanksgiving dinner in our new home since we first saw this house in January.  The time had finally arrived and we were excited to the bone.

The turkey had been plucked and primed (the one in the pan, not the one flapping his wings).

The Master Turkey Chef was ready to put the bird in the sauna.

Sometimes, Keith is just a crack up and no comment would make him funnier.

In she (or he) goes.

T-6 hours until Turkey Time.

Meanwhile, the sun was blaring in our western facing window and they revealed a summer of dirt and dust that needed to be removed before our friends arrived.

Oliver was VERY excited to help.

I'll remind him of this when he's a bit older and nowhere to be found during chore time.

Keith checked on the bird, regularly.  So far he (or she) hadn't flown the coop.

While Mama was whipping up the sides (she's a sides girl and leaves the raw poultry prepping to Dad), Oliver was prepping the kids table.  It came complete with a turkey center piece, coordinating plates and napkins, a coloring table cloth and brand new crayons.

The adults table was set and ready for friends to fill it.

The adults table came complete with Mamas Grandma's crystal.

Oliver worked on a masterpiece to welcome his friends.

A hand turkey, from his precious five-year old paw.

He was SO proud!

Six hours had passed and the bird was cooked with a perfect tan.

While the adults were clinking glassware and munching on nibblers, the big kids were working on their pieces of turkey art.

The little kids were possibly the smartest of all as they bellied up to the kitchen table and the snack tray.  

It's so fun to see Kellan and Jonny together now that they are getting older.

This is the one and only adult photo that we have.  It's appropriate that it is of Jeff, and his Oskar Blues appetizer creation.  It was as good as it looks!

Finally, it was time to eat and the kids were bellied up.

Kellan had his plate but as the kids were serving up little smokies next to their turkey, we grabbed his plate to give him some too.  By these eyes, I'm not so sure that he's ok with the take-back.  Either that or he's debating on if anyone would notice if he swiped Jonny's plate.

Evelyn, Oliver, Freddie, Kellan, Jonny and Jin

We have been watching these kids grow up since they were itty bitty babies.  I imagine you'll continue to see them here on the blog for many years to come.

Kellan has the best facial expressions.  Clearly, this was a time to eat and not take pictures.

Freddie was lovin' the little smokies, just like his Daddy.

Oliver was loving the little smokies too.

Who knew they would be such a hit next to the turkey and stuffing?!

Evelyn having fun at the head of the table.

Miss Jin sure is coming out of her shell. For some time she was shy and quiet.  Now, she jumps right in on the action.  It was fun that her and Evelyn both brought two barbies each, since there would be two girls at dinner.  One for them and one for the other.  Great minds think alike.

Love this Jonny face.  Such a sweet boy.

Oliver, Evelyn and Jin were loving the big art pad.

After all of the kids had enjoyed their dinner AND dessert, Kellan was the lone cowboy holding up the kids table.

He looked around to see if anyone was looking.

Then he let out a smile as if to say being the lone cowboy isn't such a bad gig.

Our happy boy (especially once he has a full belly).

After many photos, the pucker lips came out....

... and the hat brim came down as if to say...

..."that's all folks!"

The day was done and dinner with friends was fabulous   We loved cooking and entertaining in our new home.  After the Hess and Wells family hit the road home, we saddled up for an evening of a classic movie.

2012 was a year that we have a lot to give thanks for.

Our cup over-floweth

Happy Thanksgiving!!