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Our "First" Thanksgiving

Derek and I have been together as a couple for 5-1/2 years, married for 3 years, and parents of twins for 2 years. This was our first year, however, hosting Thanksgiving. Today I was reminded that putting on a meal of this magnitude takes some serious planning and coordination. Honestly, I don't think you have experienced Thanksgiving until you have hosted Thanksgiving...

Lists were made weeks ago, grocery shopping happened last weekend, and the fridge was cleared out to make room for lots of holiday groceries + a 22 pound turkey. We were hosting 13 of Derek's family members plus our family of 4, so we were planning for 17 total. I took shift #1 last evening after the kids were in bed and put together homemade Green Bean Casserole (from The Best of America's Test Kitchen) and washed and organized all the serving dishes. Derek was off last night and shift #2 started with a double batch of his grandfather's Portuguese stuffing at 2am. We had the bird in the oven at 7:30am.


Derek's parents arrived before 10am to help us out with last minute details. Thank goodness for the Macy's parade - S&Z were entranced!


We also had a chance to take a few pictures before everyone else arrived...


Zoe and Grandpa even had time to build some towers!


The rest of the crew arrived around 11:30, right as the turkey was coming out of the oven. Derek did an AWESOME job!!!!


Seating this many was a little precarious, but we made it work. We could seat 6 at the dining room table,


And we overflowed the rest into the living room.


Joanne baked FIVE delicious pies, so everyone was stuffed and happy!


The food was delicious, the company was wonderful, and all the kids had so much fun playing together. This year in particular, having the family together means so much. Nothing is permanent and family time is precious. 

Sending all our love and thanks out to the universe!!!!



From the archives:
Thanksgiving 2009

Thanksgiving 2010

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Comments

  1. danisceddaNovember 25, 2011 at 2:43 AM

    It looks like it was a great day, and Zoey is adorable in that dress :-)

    This year, I'm thankful that Alberto and I decided to forgo hosting the 30-person TG party. Last night we baked a chicken and ate green beans, and that was perfect for us!

    ReplyDelete

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