Thanksgiving Throw Back

It took longer than I expected for my predictable FB uploader brother to load the awesome collection of photos detailing our Thanksgiving Festivities. Here is my Thanksgiving ThrowBack Post


We headed to my parents for the great traditional meal. Notably my Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles were present. All the local Sacramento family were in attendance. It was great to see everyone.

Playing around, killing time before the meal... a lot of time

Can't resist the adorable smile here!

I have a new perspective on Thanksgiving this year-- its just no picnic with little KIDS. period.


I loved being there, but I honestly felt like I was chasing kiddos nonstop. So much for kicking back on the holiday. Someday, someday...


I remember feeling very skinny and chic in my outfit when we headed up to my parents'. I knew there would be photographs, I took time with hair and make up.

I had to head out to the car several times for kids supplies, diapers, fresh pants for mr. potty training. There was a light drizzle, so my pretty curled hair was all wet and limp after about 45 minutes. 

I love my parents. But they said Thanksgiving would food be served at 2p.m.. We arrived about 12ish. No naps. My Dad did something special with "brining" the Turkey, plus he didn't want to cook it too early, and have it get dry while waiting. So the result was - the meal wasn't ready until after 3p.m.  You're thinking, no big deal -- but it was T-Day so we made an effort NOT to eat lunch so we would be fully hungry for the big meal of the year. So waiting an extra hour beyond what we expected, was hard. And being a pregnant person, my blood sugar levels can be a little unpredictable. Made it that much harder. Let me add that the kids had not napped and also, had not had a real lunch and we were all a but antsy for the meal to now come and be over so someone might nap afterward.

The meal was lovely. Beautiful spread. Great space. My mom did a great job setting everything up. My task was to make Jello Pretzel Salad. It wound up taking me over an hour to prepare and costing me $26.00 with about 10 ingredients (I made a double size batch). Being a little on the frugal side lately, a part of me wished I'd been asked to bring a vegetable or a pie. A bag of potatoes is $5.00. I'm really good at making mashed potatoes. lol.


Both Justin and I enjoyed our food, but we had to seriously eat in shifts. I think I overate because I had to cram the food in before the kids needed me for something. Once I ate I reluctantly let Justin know so he could get his rotation in. I chased the babe and kept her away from the marble maze structure on one side of the room, the DVDs and CD collection by the TV, and from pushing and dropping objects down my parents' very steep stairs. Add to that her napless state. I attempted to give her a nap, but the excitement and noise of the busy house made that project into a Mission Impossible.


After we had eaten, I realized I had spilled food on my white blouse. Also, I was wishing I hard worn pants with elastic because I was certainly stuffed.


The men folk enjoyed watching football! I'm glad, cuz Justin could get his fill, he doesn't have time to watch much at our house. Jackson was enthralled and interested. Peyton, not interested, was digging up trouble.

After football, board games and happy adult entertainment ensued... for most. For me, I chased the baby, held the baby, tried to lay down with the baby. Fast forward to 8p.m. and I was done. I had to break up a Settlers of Kattan Game but the kids were seriously cranky and I was with them.


So, family is a joy. The food was lovely! I have much to be thankful for! I just want to know how you all are able to sit down and enjoy this "sit down" holiday when your kids are little. It seemed like an impossible feat. Aggravated by the fact that everyone else around me seemed to be having a relaxing evening. *sigh*

I killed a lot of time posing the kids for pictures

Jackson at the kids table