A Fantastic Feast

THE TABLE IS SET
The table decorations could have easily been a photo right out of the pages of Country Living magazine. As a family, we took a walk through our neighborhood streets and alleys and picked up colorful leaves and branches to make our centerpieces for a Thanksgiving feast. You can see the results of Toni's genious idea.

THE GUESTS ARRIVE
As a complete surprise to our girls, Toni's sister Jessica, who had been on a missionary journey around the world, came for dinner. The girls were so surprised when she popped out from behind them. Also on the guest list were Paul, Tommie, grandma Betty and my parents, Ronnie and Judy. We even got a last minute visit from Laura's friend Bri, whom we often claim as our fourth daughter.

(Jessica with the girls.)

THE FEAST
Our neighbors Roger and Sharon had volunteered to smoke a turkey for us. It wasn't a full bird, just the white meat breast. It was so tasty. Roger came over to warn us, that is might have too much smoke and looked pink like salmon, but it tasted great. Toni used her grandmother Shirley's official dressing recipe and it was not only mouthwatering, but looked perfect as it came out of the oven. We had prepared so much of the food in advance that Turkey day was a breeze. There was green bean casserole, homemade rolls, corn casserole and cherry salad...which could double as a dessert. Mom brought a sweet potato dish that she said didn't look right, but our sweet potato experts raved about it. She also made a great pumpkin pie. And I made two of my famous chocolate pies with real whipped cream.

THE WEATHER
The temperature was unseasonalby warm, but the kids made a picnic outside and had a great time.

(The girls and Bri enjoy a Turkey Picnic)

FIRST THINGS FIRST
Naturally, when you have this much food, you can't help but be thankful. It was a great weekend! Everything tasted good, and often we ate desserts first....as an appetizer.

(Paul enjoying some pumpkin pie!)


We squeezed in the traditional shopping, cards and a movie (James Bond 007) and some even got a cat nap.





(Garyn crashed on the couch.)





(Betty Peacock smiles between card games!)































It was a great Thanksgiving!