Thanksgiving, Briefly

Matt and I got lucky this year. Our usual "spend a few hours at each of 3 to 4 houses for Thanksgiving meals" plan didn't apply. We had the opportunity to split our time between his dad's house and my parents' on Thursday, and to have a relaxing Friday capped off by a delicious Thanksgiving-Round-3 at his mom's.

I love Thanksgiving - it's definitely my favorite of national holidays - but it can be pretty exhausting (and filling) to attend so many feasts. This year's schedule was much appreciated, and really allowed us to enjoy the holiday without feeling stressed or rushed.

Post-Turkey Trot, Thursday we went to my FIL's for our lunch feast.

Homemade Apple Pie shots. (Matt is going to look just like his dad when he gets older.)

Round One is a success!

You've gotta love when you can have a fire going in Florida.

After we ate, we had an hour to hang out and digest before we headed back to my parents' for dinner. We lit the candles for Hanukkah, enjoyed a fantastic dinner (complete with gluten free stuffing, pies, cupcakes, etc), and played a rousing and inappropriate game of Cards Against Humanity. Isn't it nice that siblings grow up to actually get along?

Zach did the honors of lighting the candles.

Mom with her homemade chocolate pecan pie, which I request every year.

Latkes should be a Thanksgiving staple from now on...especially when topped with homemade cranberry-applesauce

Crying laughing playing CAH.

A little more CAH.

So that ended Thursday. The highlight may have been Steph laughing so hard when it was her turn to judge CAH that we all were crying and falling out of our chairs...and she hadn't even read the choices yet.

Friday, we avoided shopping until about 4pm. Then we saw Matt's Nana and some more family until it was time for dinner at his mom's. Luckily, she prefers pot roast to turkey, because I was so ready to not have more turkey. And let me tell you, her roast beef is unbeatable. We also took a break from heavy desserts with some fruit and whipped cream. Definitely the way to go.

We played Fill or Bust while dinner cooked, then played a couple rounds of pool afterward. When I was growing up we had a pool table, but it's been a long time since I've played. I was embarrassingly terrible.

If you're never played Fill or Bust, it's basically Farkle with bonus cards. Super fun!

Do I kind of look like I know what I'm doing?

Most delicious break from turkey EVER.

Overall, it was a great Thanksgiving. I'm beyond grateful to have such a wonderful family and in-laws.

What did you do for Thanksgiving?
What is your favorite Thanksgiving dessert? I request chocolate pecan pie every year, but apple is a close second.
Do you do a traditional turkey, or do you prefer something else?

ABK