We had a great Thanksgiving here at the Tyson abode.
For me, it all started Wednesday night when I got home from work and walked in to find the a kitchen hard at it.
Big Al was doing some prep work on his T-giving Feast.
I sat on a bar stool, ate supper, and laughed at my parents in the kitchen. Those two need a cooking show. It would be called, "Calamities in the Kitchen." Or perhaps, "We Always Burn the Bread."
There was lots happening at every prep station.
I love squash. Or as we like to jokingly and lovingly call it, Squarsh.
Another reason for excitement came when I rounded the corner to see these gorgeous flowers that Larsen's parents sent us.
So sweet! Thanks Ms. Kit and Mr. Jim - they were perfect! And just so you know, Deb really loved them as evidenced by the fact that they found their home at a place of honor.
We all know anything that sits by the senior portrait is high priority. :-)
(Totally kidding. Someone gets these people a grandbaby so we can please take that picture down.)
Pretty soon, my uncle Ashley rolled into town, followed later by my brother Matthew and his girlfriend Larsen - and that is, of course, when the real fun began. We all sat around the kitchen catching up and helping each other mentally prepare for all the good food that was about to enter our lives within the next 24 hours.
We're all in this together.
We went to bed late, and when I got up the next morning, Big Al was already earning his keep in the kitchen as he prepared breakfast.
Nothing gets you more ready for a huge meal than another huge meal 3 or 4 hours prior.
The mood around the house was extremely joyful. Deb was so happy to have all her kids under one roof and the promise of Paula Deen's dressing in her immediate future.
Gram came over and she and her first born son enjoyed sipping coffee and watching the parade together.
It was an absolute gorgeous day, so Larsen and I decided that we would go for a walk. LP was excited. Exercising on Thanksgiving will make you feel very hardcore.
We walked around the neighborhood, and I am just going to pretend like I was winded the whole time because I was talking - not because my body did not know what was happening as I did 30 consecutive minutes of physical activity.
We had so much fun walking and chatting!
Once we got back, had showers, and got ready, the countdown to the main attraction was on.
Grammy was really excited.
As were Matthew and Larsen and their cute selves. We loved having these two crazy kids in town. That were definitely on the top of this list of what were MOST thankful this holiday.
Of course, no family gathering would be complete without figuring out all the many different picture combinations we could take with the same group of people.
And then before we knew it. It was game time.
Playing in this year's Thanksgiving Feast were: Turkey, gravy, dressing, creamed corn, Ashley's sweet potato souffle, rutabagas, rice and butter beans, black-eyed peas, dressing, macaroni and cheese, squarsh casserole, Matthew's scalloped potatoes, and jalapeno-cheese corn bread.
I need a moment.
Larsen was very happy with the goodness that lay before her. She fits into this family juuuuuust fine.
These are the lovely faces of people who want you to sit down and put away the camera so they start eating already.
And, as always, within 15 minutes it was over. Our plates were clean, our pants were busting, and we wondered if we would ever need to eat again.
To distract ourselves from the intense discomfort of such a food massacre, we walked outside onto the deck. Some of us did not make it very far before the comatose state took over.
We did have to rouse the brother off of his wooden bed for an impromptu girls photo shoot.
Once we came in, it was time to watch a little football.
Crazy kids.
The night wore on and just when we thought the fun might be over with, our good friend Jeffrey made an appearance. Jeffrey and Matthew are best friends and since he lives in Austin, we hardly ever get to see him. It was great to catch up with him!
And after we all stood around the kitchen talking and laughing - what else was there really to do other than set up the DVD player in the kitchen and watch Alan and Debbie's recent movie?
Larsen, star-struck.
Soon after their film ended, the girls loaded up to go see a real movie (no offense, Daddy) at the theater.
It was a perfect way to end a perfect day!
THANKSGIVING, indeed.
:-)
