The big boys were fascinated with the turkey. They loved running up to it on the counter, leaning in really close, and sniffing. You would have thought this might translate into a large amount of the bird being consumed by Reeves, but you would be wrong. His quest (at his grandparents' house) to subsist only on things containing sugar continued. He ate the marshmallows off the sweet potatoes and the broccoli and grapes from the broccoli salad with that sweet dressing. 
Oh yes, and he did partake in the pumpkin pie for dessert. You know, because he had earned it. (Sometimes it's just easier to throw in the towel and go with the flow.)Bennett, of course, ate like a champ and then enjoyed his time with Grandy. It seems to me that children sometimes tend to latch onto one grandparent at a time, and for Benny, right no at least out there, it's Grandy. 
As soon as we walk in their house, he is pouring himself out of my arms to get into Grandy's. I love it, and, naturally, so does Big Reeves.
As soon as we walk in their house, he is pouring himself out of my arms to get into Grandy's. I love it, and, naturally, so does Big Reeves.After dinner, the big boys and I went on a nature walk. 
We found many treasures, most notably, a turkey feather. Preston decided it would best be used as an Indian headress.
We spotted an owl almost as soon as we got back there. It amazed me as it didn't really fly away from us. It would move a couple of limbs away, but for the most part was content to sit and watch us watch him. 
The boys loved it. I have rarely seen an owl out like this in the daytime. It was quite a treat.
We found many treasures, most notably, a turkey feather. Preston decided it would best be used as an Indian headress.We spotted an owl almost as soon as we got back there. It amazed me as it didn't really fly away from us. It would move a couple of limbs away, but for the most part was content to sit and watch us watch him. The boys loved it. I have rarely seen an owl out like this in the daytime. It was quite a treat. Reeves and Preston indulged me in taking some pictures. I wish I had had the big camera, but I continue to be impressed by this little point and shoot.
Preston was much more agreeable than Reeves, but somehow, the older cousin was able to persuade the younger one to cooperate, and I actually ended up with a couple of shots I wouldn't even mind printing.
Naturally, I had to take advantage of the video feature. Bryant had come back to gather up some firewood, and the boys had been helping him. They were thoroughly impressed with themselves. They really got into the picture taking when we returned to the back and built a fire. Of course, now it was time for silly faces. 
I think the tossing of leaves and the ambient smoke from the fire brings out the goofy in them. And where they get their endless energy, I'll never know. I wish I had one tenth of it. Since Family day was the next day, we were spending the night out there, so we were able to spend a little extra time by the fire. It was a good Turkey Day, and my boys loved waking up together at their grandparents' house. 
Preston was much more agreeable than Reeves, but somehow, the older cousin was able to persuade the younger one to cooperate, and I actually ended up with a couple of shots I wouldn't even mind printing.Naturally, I had to take advantage of the video feature. Bryant had come back to gather up some firewood, and the boys had been helping him. They were thoroughly impressed with themselves. They really got into the picture taking when we returned to the back and built a fire. Of course, now it was time for silly faces. I think the tossing of leaves and the ambient smoke from the fire brings out the goofy in them. And where they get their endless energy, I'll never know. I wish I had one tenth of it. Since Family day was the next day, we were spending the night out there, so we were able to spend a little extra time by the fire. It was a good Turkey Day, and my boys loved waking up together at their grandparents' house. 
Nevertheless, we and the children had a great time. I went early to help set up. While we were doing that, the children were out on the playground. I happened to glance out and see that Henry's class was out there too. Then I saw Reeves and Henry find each other, and this was how they spent the remainder of their time out there, hand in hand, walking all around, pointing things out to each other and introducing each other to their friends. It was precious. (And a little wierd, since it did look like they were on a date, but it won't be long before they succomb to the societal pressures all around them, so I was sure to capture it to remind us of how cute they were.)
They had all made bead bracelets, and they were able to tell us what all the colors stood for. Then it was time for the feast. And what a feast it was. There was enough food on Reeves' plate to last him a week. 
I think all of us mothers realized there was no need for everyone to bring something ever again. We'll just dole out a few food responsibilities from now on. Of course, despite being packed in like sardines, we all enjoyed watching our little ones. 
They said the blessing and ate about one eleventh of what was on their plates. I got to see Reeves' Thanksgiving sign that he had made. It was a picture of a turkey that said what he was thankful for. While most of the other children had put "Mommy" or "Daddy" or "My Family" on theirs, Reeves was thankful for "Honey". And no, that's not a pet or a person, it's the sweet viscous liquid that his Grandmomma has made him fall in love with. She laughed with delight when she saw the sign the next day.
I can't believe I'm 32 and am still able to have family meals like this, just like it was all those years ago, except, of course, with the addition of a few wonderful new family members.
I was holding his finger, dipping and dabbing. To the outside world, Reeves prints were all over these things, but he and I know otherwise. I did let him do a few by himself, but leave it to my anal retentiveness to want the turkeys to ne as neat as possible. I really must learn to let go!
At this point, I feel I need to note that, as difficult as it is taking pictures of multiple children, just because they're all grown up doesn't really make it that much easier. If I could have mainlined ridalin into these people, I would have. Their focus was everywhere!! Maybe it's more frustrating with adults because you have some expectation of order-following-abilities or maybe it's because this had been planned well in advance and everyone knew about it. Whatever the reason, Big Laura and I were pulling our hair out trying to get this set up. But that's the great thing about family. You don't have to be too nice to them. We just directed everyone (eventually) to their designated spot, ordered them to smile, and came out with a great picture that we will all treasure for forever. 
And, my how we laughed about this ordeal. Why is it that the frustrating, whacky times always seem to be the ones you look back on and laugh the most at. "Oh, remember what fun we had when we were driving you crazy? Ha-ha-ha! Good times!"
Carolyn had made the most festive centerpiece for the table. Completely edible, I suppose you could say we had three turkeys for Thanksgiving dinner this year.
I think we would fry the rice and peas if we could figure out a way to do it!
Carolyn has always had incredible abilities when it comes to flower arranging, and she is now sharing her talent with more than just family and the church. She has done flowers for weddings and other events, so please keep her in mind if you ever need an event to be extra special in the floral department.
Gams had chosen these, and try as she might, she can lead us to the water, but she can't make us drink. We love to sing, but we're no Von Trapp family. An ear for music just doesn't run down this branch of the Anderson family tree. Luckily again, our efforts were met with laughs all around, and isn't that what being with family is all about? 
Eating dinner. Not really too much else to say about these pictures! The food was delicious.
A man and his daughters. 
A man and his son. 