Thanksgiving 2016

Since we have been back in NC, we have gone to Mema and P\paw's house for Thanksgiving each year.  Mom usually coordinates, while Katie, dad and I are sous chefs.  BUT 2016 is the year she decided to have a knee replacement (boo bad joints) the Monday before Turkey day.  Stuart was also on call, so he wasn't able to leave Durham for a day in Zebulon.  So, we hosted!

The boys decorated sticker turkeys to get in the mood... Sam was creative with his project.

Meanwhile, James re-did his 3 times because it didn't look *exactly* like the picture on the box, and he was very sad about that (the apple doesn't fall far from the tree...)

Holiday snuggles

James collected fall-ish nature-y things, and we made a garland.

The to-do list! (And a rough schedule to follow.)

New tradition: try to remember to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade that starts at 9am, but forget until 11:30am, last the watch few minutes, then YouTube last year's parade!

Katie showed up late in the morning to help get the meal together, and provide a delicious cheese plate for me (I mean, we) to snack on.

We did it all, entirely on our own! (Insert strong arm emoji here.) Also, look at me barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen! (Another strong arm emoji.)

The table is set (though crowded) and Mema made it!

A blue ribbon turkey secret: dry brine x3 days!

The spread: herbed turkey, Mamma Barker's cranberry salad, mom's canned green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potato casserole, yeast rolls, shaved brussels sprout salad, 2 kinds of pie (pumpkin & cherry) with apple cider in the crock pot.

The turkeys enjoy their meal.

Backyard fire pit (complete with s'mores) to round out the evening.  And here is where I realize that I never got photos of our family on the holiday.  My parents both joined us, as well as Matthew, Meredith and Canaan.  And Katie, of course, my partner in crime.  AND Katie's new boyfriend, Aaron, joined us for the backyard lounging.

And the next morning, the boys and I went for a long walk while Stuart was rounding on his people at the hospital.  We chose to forgo Black Friday and #optoutside instead.  Happy Thanksgiving!