It started with pâté and a trio of Sassy Nanny cheese, went straight into turkey and then ended up with pie. All in all, a perfect Thanksgiving. In between all the food and wine, there were my beautiful nieces and nephews (and one pug named Homer with a stylish Christmas sweater). I think at last count, there were 24 people at dinner. As I looked around, I felt the blessings of a large family who genuinely love each other. This year was pretty tame compared to last year's dance party in the living room to Meatloaf's Paradise By The Dashboard Lights (requested by the matriarch of this clan, Nana).
Nana bought a tablecloth for the kitchen table that the kids could illustrate— it was a big hit.
Cate was contemplating her next move.
Emma— possibly the sweetest and most loving little girl I have ever met.
The turkey spoon that has scooped and the dish that has held the stuffing for as long as I can remember. Katie made the green bean casserole with fresh green beans, a definite improvement over frozen beans. And really, those Durkee french onions aren't that bad— they have crunchy and salty on their side.
Yup, that's a Jeroboam of 2008 Cline Ancient Vine Zinfandel behind Eleanor, we had lots of glasses to fill.
It's hard to take a bad picture of Jimmy, he is joy personified.
Sadie and Nana were discussing the finer points of properly whipped cream.
Homer says, 'On to Christmas, I already have my outfit picked out.'
