This was the first year in 9 years we haven't gone to CA for Thanksgiving. While we were really missing that adventure (like a lot!!), it was fun to have Thanksgiving here at home. Grandma Cathy joined us, as well as Sam's friend, Tronner, and Tronner's girlfriend, Nikkie. Grandma and Grandpa Whitten spent Thanksgiving with my Grandma on the Island. So not only was this the first Thanksgiving not spent in CA in 9 years, but also the first without my Mom. But she was definitely needed elsewhere, so that was alright.
Sammy and I did most of our prep work the day before, so on Thanksgiving there wasn't much to do except for the actual cooking of the food. Because of this, the day was left open to just hang out and relax! We all cozied up on the couch and watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, followed by the National Dog Show. After our 4 hours of tv time, lol, we all got up and spent some time outside. It was a bit brisk and windy, but the sun was shining and that made up for it. It was fun showing Nikkie around, as this was her first time to WA and to our little homestead. The kids and dogs alike loved having the extra people in the house, it meant more people to play with them!
As 3 o'clock hit, Molly helped me set the table. It was fun being able to set our own table for Thanksgiving! I purchased a nice tablecloth and napkins just for the occasion, as well as a few fun items off of Etsy to decorate our plates with and make goodie bags.
Everything was ready at 4 o'clock. Tronner and Papa carved the meats while the rest of us finished prepping the other dishes to serve. We had turkey, prime rib, loaded mashed potatoes, 2 kinds of stuffing, honey glazed mint carrots, homemade cranberry sauce, gravy, deviled eggs, and broccoli salad!
I really love saving up wishbones for the kiddos to do on Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, this year I wasn't able to save enough, though I did try! One Sam broke while cleaning, and another the darn cats got and chewed. So instead of having a handful, I only had two. But that was alright, the kids were all able to do one. Molly with Nikkie, and Anthony with Timothy.
For dessert, I ordered two pies from our local bakery in town. A caramel apple pie and a chocolate cream pie. I also made peanut butter blossom cookies. We pretty much snaked on those all day, lol. All in all it was a wonderful, mellow, first Thanksgiving here at home after many, many years of going to CA. We are looking forward to more Thanksgivings in the future, hopefully with more family next time!
With love,
Mama Hauck
