Because you want to know about my Thanksgiving, right?

There is much to be thankful for. Like how I found my long sweater! Just in time for Lulu to spit up all down the front of it.

I'm even more thankful for my family. We had a great time celebrating together...
Some might say we're a little strange...
Why would they say such a thing?

One thing you should know is that I love my nieces and nephews. They are SO much fun. I have loved watching them grow up. They aren't just my kids' friends. They are my friends too.
Lulu was fawned over as expected. But she's not the only new addition to the family. My oldest niece is engaged. Aren't they cute?
I think her fiance fits in just fine, don't you?
Our family has many Thanksgiving traditions. One of them is my sister Amy's pumpkin pancakes on Thanksgiving morning. It is no small feat to make pancakes for 24 people. Plus, she always makes them in whatever shape you order. I wanted one in the shape of Africa...
Okay, the picture is actually of the heart my nephew ordered, but it looked a little more like Africa than my Africa did. I'm sorry, sis. Please don't be offended. Especially because I want pumpkin pancakes next year!

Another tradition is playing games each night. A favorite with the kids is Mafia. It's a game of lying and killing. Doesn't that sound like wholesome family fun? We have been playing this game for 10 years or more, so the adults are more than a little sick of it but I love games that almost everyone can play. Here are the townspeople voting to kill off one of their own flesh and blood...
Tate was also introduced to the game Risk...
He's all about world domination. He ended up losing the game, but he was happy because he had control of his favorite continent...
One new game for the boys is playing with Tech Deck finger skateboards. Sweet Gunga let Jack turn her bathtub into his own personal X games...
Our responsibilities for the Thanksgiving Feast are usually traditional, though there were a few new twists this year. You will be happy to know that I rocked the corn. The older girls usually do the parmesan rolls. This year look who joined their ranks...
Thankfully, we got my Mom to do almost nothing this year. This was a miracle and what she needed. But it meant she would not be manning her all important post of the gravy. But Georgie came through with not-too-thin, un-lumpy gravy. Speaking of important, our friends brought all these pies...
Her apple pie is responsible for me turning into a gluttonous beast. It wasn't my fault. I was powerless against it.

We also decorate Gunga's house for Christmas. It's fun how the kids have been able to be more and more involved over the years. You can tell by his position, how excited Jack is...
I hope a new tradition was started of Emmie and her cousin Riley making dessert for everyone. Grandma gave Em a cookbook for her birthday and the girls planned everything out. Here they are making the list...
And making fruit tarts for 24 people...
Not surprising, Her Loveliness got plenty of loving...


Missy treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart. Like cuddling on the couch (in coordinating outfits, of course)...
And talking by the fireplace(with spit up newly washed off on the arm)...
And the look on Gunga's face when she looks at her Luci...
My cup over-floweth.