A Thanksgiving Feast

Over four generations of Andersons came together today to celebrate a meal of thanks.

A meal of thanks for the loved ones in our lives, the good health we all cherish, and for the smiles on each other’s faces. It was one amazing Thanksgiving.

Some people burn out on family over the holidays, but I thrive on it. I have been so blessed to grow up in a large family and each time we gather there’s never a dull moment.

This year for Thanksgiving we all gathered at my Uncle Andy and Aunt Betty-Anne’s beautiful house. They have a gorgeous backyard that offers picturesque views of the river.

My Aunt did a wonderful job clearing her living room out and setting over 50 place settings over half a dozen tables.

My Mom made her famous Cheeseball and Mini Sausage Quiches for family members to nibble on before lunch.

While we waited for the main course I was pretty hungry an managed to snack on some unpictured cashews, mini quiches, and crackers with cheese.

In my family holiday meals are served potluck style and as everyone arrived, so did the food.

My Dad and my Uncle Bob are 12 years apart, but people mistake them for twins all the time. Wouldn’t you?

Once all the food was in place and everyone had arrived, we all gathered to say grace.

Amen. Time to eat!

My plate was filled with a little taste of everything.

I think my favorite was tie between the cornbread stuffing and the slice of ham. I really, really like ham.

With dinner I had a glass of generic red wine.

After a little digestion it was time for dessert!!!

Best item on the table – my Mom’s famous Peanut Butter Balls!!!

Again my plate had a little taste of everything.

Dessert is always my favorite part of every meal. If I could just have a Thanksgiving of Dessert – I would be on happy girl.

After everyone was stuffed to the gils it was family photo time. I don’t know why we didn’t take photos before the meal, by the time we took photos some of the kids’ shirts were stained and we were all uncomfortably full. Oh well – the point is the photos got done!

The finished product!

My Uncle Scott coming to town was what originally sparked the need for a big family photo. It has been years since all 6 of my Grandmother’s sons have been together at one time and who knows if this will be the last or not.

Please keep in mind the photo above does NOT include all of the Anderson clan. I have three cousins missing, their counterparts, and their seven children. Also missing from the photo? My little brother, Ben! He has planned to spend Thanksgiving with his girlfriend’s family in Tennessee and was dearly missed!

The holiday ended with one of my favorite family traditions of making the family secret recipe of Glurg.

This holiday drink will warm your toes while growing hair on your chest.

As per tradition everyone must have a swig of Whisky and a slice of orange while brewing the glurg.

I stuck to hot tea.

And with that we all took Abbygail’s cue and called it a night.

Isn’t she the cutest thing ever?

It was a long day of family, food, and giving thanks. It is so sad Thanksgiving has come to an end, but tomorrow marks a holiday of shopping. Yippee! My alarm clock is set for the crack of dawn so that I can get out and hopefully take advantage of some of those deals out there.

I am still full from my extra large late lunch and have no other plans than hitting my pillow as soon as I hit publish this evening.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!

Good Night!!!