That thing called Thanksgiving

It was a long time ago. But I wanted to share so photos for the memory books. We went to my mom's for turkey dinner. Apparently people were tired. But we had good food and some traditions. Some of my favorite traditions are related to this time of year.

The kids' school always has a Thanksgiving lunch right before the holiday. We always try to make it to all the lunches.

Most of our kids can't even eat the actual lunch, but I'd hate for them to feel left out. And we enjoy spending the time with them.

On the Thanksgiving Eve we always bake pie crust. This started because we always took pie to Thanksgiving dinner, but now it's turned into a time to bake crust just so we can sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on it and eat it.

 We made three different Gf/Df crusts this year in order top pick out our favorite. I actually don't even remember which one ended up winning, but we had fun--that's for sure.

It's tough work, as you can see. 

We had to think up new foods and new ways to make favorite recipes this year. Thanksgiving was right at the same time we had some major diet changes. Brownie is completely gluten and dairy free--as is Keian (who has other foods he can't eat as well), and a couple other kiddos are also off gluten. Anyway, this is all my contributions to our dinner... cranberry/orange sauce, mashed cauliflower, stuffing, sauteed onion topped green beans, chocolate chip pumpkin cookies, and cranberry orange cupcakes.

I thought the cupcakes were simply and pretty, so they got their own picture.

As I said earlier, we spent the holiday with my mom and sister. Hunk thinks feet should be on the menu!

And people were tired. Scrunchie couldn't even finish dinner.

These guys finished eating, but it was apparently draining!

 Wishbone, anyone?

We don't go shopping on Black Friday. The whole concept drives me nuts--not to mention the lines and attitudes of everybody around. I'd much rather spend the day with my family, and we have made it a tradition to spend this day getting our tree. We've had a few tree farms over the years, but we only switch when one closes down. This was our second year at this particular farm, and it was so fun!

We always take lots of pictures. I love the excitement of this fun day.

 These are just a few of my favorites.

 Before or after the tree hunt is completed, we always let the kids do some crafts. They have a cool barn that is nice and warm--it provides some great comfort for us since it's always freezing outside.

 We also like to have them pose at the warming station that's out in the woods with all the trees. It's a cute picture spot.

 And of course there's the obligatory--pose with our new tree--picture.

 And the big red barn--it's a nice back drop!

 The kids always make these sweet pine cone angels and decorate paper ornaments.

 Santa also comes to visit, but it's always the day after Black Friday. Luckily we see him around town quite frequently during this time of year.

I think Boushka was excited!