Thanksgiving

Parker said it was one of the strangest Thanksgivings he's ever had.

Does it make me a bad person if I admit it was one of my all time favorites?

It was strange, you know, being away from family all day.  We didn't even talk to my parents until after dinner when they had already moved on to "Black Friday."  But, it was really nice.

It's so rare that Parker takes a day off work during the week when we know in advance and can plan for it and we aren't traveling.

We missed bowling with the Ences.  So we went by ourselves.  Apparently this is not a thing in Texas.  A swear a "turkey bowl" is super standard in Utah.  We were literally the only people there.  But hey, it was the first time we had ever been bowling in Texas and Ruby was old enough to sort of get it this year so that was fun.

And Zach fell asleep on me as we were finishing up which made me all sorts of sappy because it reminded me of Ruby last year.

Parker was a sweetheart and helped me moved the table and couches so we could set the family room/kitchen up just a little differently so it would feel special.  Even though it was just for the four of us.

And guess what?  Dinner was amazing!  One of the best things about cooking Thanksgiving dinner by yourself means you get to like everything that is served.  No green beans with cream of mushroom yuck at this house!

I made these things... and seriously, loved it.  And we had enough leftovers to feed a family who had recenty had a baby and eat left overs all weekend.  Yum.

Turkey breast... Just bought the breast and cooked it like the bag told me to

Mashed potatoes and gravy

Stuffing (from a box)

Sweet Potatoes - I've made these a few years in a row and always get asked for this recipe

Brussel Sprout and Beet Salad

Out of This World Rolls with homemade raspberry jam

And some appetizers for the day....

Artichoke Dip and chips

Veggie Tray

Cottage Cheese Ranch Dip and Crackers

Fruit dip and fruit

Pickles

and plenty of snacks

Needless to say, we were not hungry.

So thankful for these people.  For the adventure we are having on our own.  For my husband who listens to me vent and cry and get really excited about all sorts of silly things.  For technology that helps make "home" not so far away.  For pictures.  I love pictures.