Thanksgiving 2011

We are so fortunate to have both sides of our family living close enough to enjoy holidays with all of them and without feeling rushed. Caleb's side of the family generally does every holiday BIG. It usually includes his grandma, all of his aunts, uncles, cousins, cousin's spouses or significant other, in-laws of some, and friends of some. It's BIG. Normally 50+ people!

Caleb's only sibling, Daniel, is married and his wife's family live in Ohio. Daniel;s in-laws were in town for Thanksgiving this year. Rather than having all of us go to the BIG Braddock get-together that was going to be a couple hours away, Caleb's mom decided she would host Thanksgiving lunch for her immediate family at her house (only a 20 minute drive for us). So, in the eight years that I've been attending the Braddock Thanksgiving, this was the first time it was only Caleb's immediate family (plus Daniel's in-laws). Much, much smaller than we are used to, but still very enjoyable!

Hudson was able to take a great, two-hour, morning nap before we loaded up and headed out for the day. We were at Caleb's parents around noon, enjoyed a delicious, traditional Thanksgiving meal and just enjoyed the calm, laid back atmosphere verses the typical loud chaos of an over-full house! 

Daniel and his wife, Lindsey, had a baby boy, Jace, in September, so it was fun to have the cousins on that side of the family together.

Hudson was able to take a little nap while we were there before heading off to my parents house for round two of Thanksgiving meals.

Thanksgiving on my side of the family consists of the family that lives in Texas. My parents, my siblings, spouse or significant other, the kids and my grandma. Doesn't sound all that big, but it still adds up to about 15 people or so.

 

We got full on another great turkey and the traditional sides and several desserts to choose from.

Savannah and Hudson did so good! Hudson's afternoon nap was shorter than usual and he was passed around all day long, but he never once was fussy at all. Just full of giggles and smiles! And I'm happy to say he slept just as well as usual that night. Savannah only napped in the car on the drive from Caleb's parents to my parents and she played well and was just as happy as usual, too. I'm so thankful for such easy kids and that we were able to enjoy the holiday with both sides of our family. It made Hudson's first Thanksgiving fun and FULL of family. 

We hope you had a special Thanksgiving and were surrounded by those you love!