Thanksgiving

Well, I really got behind on my Thankful posts...gee howdy.  Life went into hyper speed and it really hasn't slowed down. 
The Thanksgiving season was just glorious.  We had quiet days, busy evenings, great talks about gratitude, love, and a warm happy home.  (You know, in between the fighting, the yelling, the chores, the daily grind.....hehe).  It was wonderful and the perfect way to ease into the busy holiday season.

So, the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving, all the Allens (minus the SingaWebbs), gathered at our home for our now traditional Appetizer Night.  Everyone brings the fun appetizers that you don't have room for on the actual Thanksgiving day and we have them for dinner.  It was so great to have everyone at our house.  The kids enjoyed every second together and the food was amazing (of course).  I didn't take any pictures.  I'm ashamed of myself!  The kids were SO good to help with chores to get the house ready for our guests.  I wish I had something like that to motivate them every day. 

Thanksgiving Day was spent with the Macy's parade all morning, as well as getting my side dishes ready (I did fruit plates, stuffing, and a veggie tray this year).  I love that parade.  It reminds me of Thanksgivings at my Grandma & Grandpa J's house.  I'd go back in Grandpa's office and read the B.C. comics he had pinned to his bulletin board and watch the parade on the little TV in there.  It was great.  The kids really enjoyed the parade this year, too.  It was fun to share it with them. 

We went to Dave & Judy's around noon and enjoyed an amazing meal - smoked turkey (that Jimmy smoked), potatoes, salad, rolls (oh, Judy's rolls.....), roast beef, fruit, jell-o salad, veggies, etc.  And then there was the PIE.  I don't really love pie...not at all, but wowza, Rachel and  Emily came through this year with some that were mouthwatering.  We enjoyed every bite. 

After dinner, we had an impromptu talent show and the kids shared what they knew about Thanksgiving.  They sang songs, recited poems, did tricks, etc.  It was really fun.  The adults napped, visited and checked the ads.  It was relaxed and so so great.  What a fun day!  I love these excuses to get together.