Our REAL Thanksgiving Dinner

When Chad and I first married we had a hard time getting all of his 9 siblings to be in one place on Thanksgiving Day. In fact it still has NEVER happened in the fifteen years we have been wed. But we came to a solution about 13 years ago that has worked the best it can. Everyone goes to their in-laws or wherever they choose to go on Thursday and the Lewis clan meets on Saturday. It works fairly well. We still have members missing, but the majority do their best to make it. This year it was at our house. We had a beautiful 20 pound turkey - way too big this year as there was a new birth and more than usual members were missing! But, those that did come enjoyed a morning of last minute prepping and kids running every which way. My kids LOVE it when cousins come as there is at least one (more likely two or three) that are the same age as each child - making everyone including the mom's happy and occupied! Over the years Santa has brought to our home many a toy for entertainment - be it swinging, sliding, air hockey or littlest pets (or in big girl fashion - straight iron, hair spray and make-up)! Can't get enough of the laughter and joy heard inside and out as the kids and adults enjoy company and good food. This year we had two new "greats" join us - can't believe these girls are old enough to be mommies (especially when some of us are still having babies ourselves - not me mind you but others of Chad's siblings, and now his nieces), and I am glad to say I am not the "Granny", (but get a kick out of calling my Sis in law that as she is only a couple of years my senior-with a one year old to boot!) Yes, I am Thankful for Thanksgiving Saturdays!
Hopefully I will have some pictures to post with this in a little while, but wanted to write when I had the time.