Thanksgiving family fun, part 1

Yesterday afternoon we arrived at mom and dad's house...yeah the holiday has officially begun! Actually for Josiah and I it started in the morning as we leisurely hung out at Panera Bread (one of my very favorite restaurants) and ate bagels, drank coffee (for me and hot chocolate for Josiah) and played on the internet while J&J, Michael and Jeffrey were at basketball practice. Straight after we hit the road (even Jackson made the travelling squad) and headed for B/CS. Julie and her family were already here and not long after we arrived, my grandfather and his wife (my grandmother-his wife of over 50 years passed away almost 10 years ago), Bernice, arrived in town. They'd driven over 10 hours to be here. My grandfather celebrated his 89th birthday last week, so the fact that he drove them down is truly remarkable, and such a blessing. It's been over a year since we've seen them, so they were truly a sight for sore eyes. He kept commenting on how big J&J have gotten! It's true!!! We've since watched both football videos that the boys brought and Papa (that's what we call my grandfather) bragged on the boys over and over...and he oughta know! He's a retired high school and college football coach. They even named the college football stadium after him last year. So to see his great-grandsons playing football was a real treat for him.

Because sleeping space is at a premium with 13 people already at mom and dads-and because it's fun!-Michael and the three big boys (and even Jackson) set up and slept in a tent last night. Too bad, there wasn't room for mom and Josiah. SOMEBODY had to sleep in a BED where the them wasn't in the 40s. Everyone made it all night and had fun. My dad got hotel rooms for the next two nights, so sleeping with be a little more comfy for everyone tonight!

Today, my mom, sister and cousin, Stephanie (who's living with my parents right now) all started Thanksgiving dinner preparations. Mom, Julie and Steph made dressing, broccoli and rice, Sunshine salad (a jello salad), green bean casserole and a frozen cranberry salad we call "Nonnie's pink salad", because my grandmother, Nonnie, used to make it every Thanksgiving, and it's pink. I made 2 pumpkin pies, a chocolate pie, a coconut pie, a pecan pie and for the first time ever, a cherry pie. Later tonight, my Uncle Steve, his wife and 3 children and Uncle Mike and his wife and other daughter (Stephanie is one of his kiddos) are all coming in. The grand total for lunch tomorrow is slated to be 28. What fun!!!! There's nothing like having a houseful of people at a holiday!

Me and Julie busy at work, but it's really not work...it's totally a pleasure!!!

Jackson and Jeffrey in the tent last night.

Michael and Jeremy (making the hideous face that I didn't see until later) and Jonathan bundled up getting ready for bed.

Jonathan playing play-do with his cousin David AKA "Please take David out of the middle of the kitchen so we don't accidentally step on him"

My dad, Bernice, my brother in law Mike, Papa and Stephanie visiting while mom finishes getting supper ready.