Thanksgiving 2011

We had Thanksgiving early this year.  Sometimes we do it the Sunday before Thanksgiving so the married kids can go to their in-laws on Thursday.  It is so hard to eat two Thanksgiving dinners in one day you know.  Here is a picture of my table set with the antique china I bought this summer off our local classified ads KSL.com   It is from the early 1900's called Victoria.  I got a full service for twelve in excellent condition.  Woohooooo!  I love it.  The kids are not so sure they love it because I won't let them cut with a sharp knife on it.

These are my kids, Mandy, Kelson Jake, my friend Michael, Katie, & Shane.

Jake, Ryan and Jacey, Dad (Grandpa Gary the turkey carver still wearing his apron) and wife Karen, Shane.  Somehow I missed getting a picture of adorable Sydney in her highchair.

We always have fresh cranberry slush for Thanksgiving dinner.  It is soooo yummy.  Jake made it this year and I must say, he did an excellent job.

I started a tradition a few years ago where I give each family a hardbound children's Christmas book at Thanksgiving.  (you know, the really nice ones with beautiful pictures and heartwarming stories)  That way they have it to enjoy throughout the Christmas season.  I usually buy them the day after Christmas (when they are on sale really cheap) and save them for the next year.  Jake and Mandy are the only ones with kids so far, but I think you can enjoy the books at any age.  I like to sit and read them to myself sometimes, but I have to admit, it is even more fun with a grandkid on my lap.  These are
some of the books in my collection.

 Here are the kids opening their books.  Kelson was too quick for me to get his picture.

I made my version of Pumpkin Pie which my family seems to like better than the traditional pumpkin pie and it is oh so easy to make.  (a yellow cake mix, pumpkin, pecans, and lots of whipping cream on the top.)