Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving 2014

We had place settings for 17 guests and enough food for 40. That can only mean one thing: LEFTOVERS! There was simply too much good food. 

The Avocado Queen got the "feastivities" started by creating an incredible guacamole appetizer bar. Olé!

From vegan offerings to gluten free options, there was something for just about everyone. Of course, there was something in the meat family. One turkey was grilled and the second bird was prepared in the oven using traditional methods. What a feast! The best part was spending time together preparing the food. I think that every single person present had some part in getting the meal ready. That saying about "too many cooks spoiling the broth" just ain't true! "Many hands make light work" just might be a more accurate description.

Lots o' Thompsons and the five Smiths were able to pose for a big ol' group shot.

Can you tell we are related?!

 Texas Thompsons

 Smith seesters 

St. Louis Thompsons

One of our annual Thanksgiving traditions is to have our guests write what they are thankful for on our chalkboard. We didn't get 100% participation this time around, but I think this list pretty well sums up what everyone is grateful for. And then there's my son who always has to be silly. Can you guess which item is his? Last year, toilet paper was on the list. This year, he is enjoying a gluten-laden diet. 

We should all count our blessings and give thanks every day; however, I'm thankful that we don't have such huge meals every day -- in terms of preparation AND cleanup, as well as consumption of far too many calories. I'm just thankful I can still zip up my jeans after all the celebration.