Thanksgiving Day

Have you all recovered from over indulging on Thursday? I was really good during the actual meal and carb counted my portions so I could splurge on dessert. I don't really like mashed or sweet potatoes and I was glad I resisted when my mom's pumpkin chocolate chip bars came out! They were so yummy and hey, pumpkin is a vegetable, right☺

We went to my parents' house, a good thing since I did not ever get around to cleaning my house last week. Oh it's not filthy or anything, but it was certainly not company clean. You all know what I'm talking about.

My Aunt Margie came and brought the famous family strawberry jello salad, that I shared the recipe for previously. In this picture you can see how pretty the layers of pink and white are. It's kind of amusing that she one who makes it now, she reminded me as she was leaving that she didn't even like it growing up.

My mom was glad to not have to deal with making a bird this year. That's because Brad's mom aka Grandma Norma brought it along with the stuffing. Both were very good, Norma! Isn't her shirt cute? Her gentleman friend Ray isn't a big fan of it, but I think it's very pretty and flattering.

My Dad and brother Dave right before dinner, you can see the family tree centerpiece I made to the right. Sadly, that's how many of our family members were present. This was the first year without my Grandparents and Great Aunts. They are all getting old and if truth be told a little cantakerous. It's too hard to bring them out from their nursing homes and assisted living places. My Uncle John was sick so he wasn't there either and various other relatives weren't there for one reason or another. It was weird to have such a small gathering.

Do you think Brad's used to me taking pictures? He immediately stopped mid bite and posed when I told him I need to get one of him.

Brad and Dave all ready for the second half of the meal, dessert! Everyone thought the turkey cookies we made were cute and they tasted good too. I wasn't sure if they'd be edible or if candy corn would be weird. We "only" had an apple pie, pumpkin pie, apple cake, pumpkin bars, and cookies. Somehow we managed.

Grandma Norma, ER, me and Brad in our obligatory family picture. Much like the one with my parents and brother only taken later in the day.

This one made laugh. Do you ever stand behind one another and give each other horns when taking pictures? We often have someone dance about or wave their hands behind the photographer's head, to get ER's attention or to make her smile. This time she's trying to give herself horns.

There are only so many photo takes a toddler can take, afterward things quickly turned into a tickle fest. ER currently thinks it's hilarious to go around and tickle everyone. Grammy is a great target because she always get a good reaction.

I am so thankful that we have been able to live back by our family for the past two years. I know I've mentioned this before but it really is a blessing to be able to have ER growing up so close to her grandparents. She is surrounded by so much love and we try to see them all often.

We especially appreciate this because we never thought it would happen. Brad has always told me that his field of work, he has a PhD in physical chemistry, would take us out of state. Most of the jobs are on either coast, so we feel so fortunate that she's able to have this experience to see and get to know them in her daily life and not just during special visits.

I'd love to see how you celebrated Thanksgiving. On my other blog ABC & 123, we've got a Thanksgiving Blog Hop linky to share your holiday post. Please come by and link up!