Giving Thanks

I'm just feeling so truly blessed to have such a wonderful family - Graham, the girls and our puppy, as well as our larger family of parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins.  And today, of all days, I give thanks for that.

 Addy and I had some fun getting ready for the big day of hosting by making some owl place cards with everyone's picture.

 

Grandma Carol and Grandpa Russ surprised us with a nutcracker to add to our collection we put out as part of our Christmas decorations. 

Grandpa hanging out with his granddaughters.

The kitchen crew (don't ask me why I look half out of it in this picture!)

Playing cards is a family holiday tradition...this year, Addy added Ruckus to the list and found some willing players.

And then the yummy food!  This maple-roasted bacon covered turkey recipe is one we have used for years and I think there might be a revolt if we ever try to change it.  But why would we ever want to?  Bacon and turkey???  It doesn't get much better.

I'm not convinced that all the turkey and bacon actually made it to the table...I think the carver may have taken a few "samples."

The sunlight made this picture pretty dark, but still, here's the whole family, anxiously awaiting to dive into the food.

Star was lucky enough to score some of the scraps. It's Thanksgiving afterall!

And, of course, dessert.  The classic pumpkin pie and new one this year, apple blackberry.

Happy Thanksgiving!  Love, the Lanzes