a post by Jenni {aka Mom}
We try
to open our home each year not only to family but also to friends and
acquaintances. We try to make sure to include those we know who don’t have
family around to share the holiday with.
This was really easy when my husband
was in the Air Force, because almost none of us had family nearby. That season
was also great for my ego, because the young, single airmen who came for
Thanksgiving Dinner were thrilled to have a home cooked meal – though my
cooking left much to be desired at that time – and they heaped their plates with food and my
ears with compliments. Needless to say, it was always a joy to include them!
This
year’s crowd included both family and friends. We had a laid-back open house
style day instead of a formal dinner, and I have to say that it was one of the
most enjoyable, relaxed Thanksgiving celebrations we’ve ever experienced.
No
drama. No catastrophes.
A
miraculously smooth and enjoyable day with people we love.
The
downside to that is we have no fodder for tall tales in the future, yet the
upside is so full that none of that matters.
Here are a few memories and highlights:
- Bird made the fruit-kebab turkey, which brought on all
sorts of laughter due to the fact we had to “poke all those sticks in the
turkey’s butt.”
- I still
like having my mommy around to prepare for events. Her extra set of hands and
our Lucille Ball-esque laughter and antics make food prep that much more easy
& enjoyable.
- Grandpa
helped to peel potatoes, and by helped we mean he blew us away and peeled
through 10 pounds like it was nothing.
I felt
like Julia Child in the scene from Julie & Julia in which she attends
cooking class and all the other students are flying through chopping onions while
she daintily sliced hers, realizing how far from a chef she actually is at that
point.
The rest
of us unanimously decided that Grandpa must have been in an awful lot of
trouble when he was in the Navy, and that’s where he was able to develop such
amazing potato peeling skills ;-)
- The boys
were awestruck to learn that Aunt Ginny is not only willing to do things like
play basketball, but she actually suggests it – and she’s a great shot, to
boot! Nana's not so bad, herself.
Both of them definitely scored some cool points with the kids!
- Granny
had the opportunity to see Plato in his new home, and was amazed at how much he
had grown.
I was reminded how much Gran loves big dogs when she asked that we
let our Bullmastiff out and proceeded to massage her and let her climb in her
lap! They both seemed to love every minute of it.
- Some
good friends of ours were able to stop in who we hadn’t been able to visit with
in a good while. It was downright refreshing to our souls to see and fellowship
with them!
- Our
Peruvian friend experienced her 1st good old American campfire and her 1st
s’mores. After dark we pulled out the telescope and the group, including her
and her children, was able to get a good look at Jupiter and 4 of its moons. Her
excitement and joy are contagious, and I especially enjoyed sharing those
experiences with her.
- In
addition to the smorgasbord of American food, our aforementioned friend brought
us one of her UH-MAY-ZING homemade cakes. It was the style of a Tres Leches
cake, but with caramel and pineapple filling (if it sounds odd to you, it did
to me too – but it’s crazy good!). Definite highlight for a cake-lover such as
myself!
- The kids
had a blast with friends. At one point our friend’s 16 year old son was engaged
in a soccer game against ALL the other little boys. He was such a great sport
with them!
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