Happy Thanksgiving!

So it was supposed to be my parents' (aka my mom's) turn to host Thanksgiving this year.  We discussed still having it at my dad's but having me and my sister-in-law cook.  Ultimately, Bill and I decided to just bite the bullet and host it ourselves.  What a fun decision!  We had a lot of work to do because we were expecting 17-20 people and our house doesn't have a lot of space.  We took this opportunity to get the finished side of our basement cleaned up and turned into a game room (in the end, not a single person hung out down there - that's okay though - at least it's done now! :)  Anyway, we had a blast.  I love my family!!  We ended up having 17 people, the food turned out really well and no one got food poisoning!  I only wish my mom was here to see me hosting my first big family event.  I think I would have done her proud.

My brother (Uncle Sean!) hanging with Viv

Cousins!

My cousins Kelly and Casey

The 23 lb bird.  It looks pretty dark but turned out really well.  We highly recommend brining.  It may have been a tad salty but the flavor was excellent!  My mom actually bought us the brine mix from Williams-Sonoma so I guess she was kind of there that day helping out afterall.  :)

My aunt, Samantha and Kelly

One without me

One with me  :)

The other side of the table

The other turkey!

My uncle and Casey

Victoria and Samantha

Playing outside.  This is exactly what my brother, cousins and I would do when we were little during family get togethers!

Audrey hanging with the big girls.

This picture makes me laugh:

Playing Left Right Center:

Opening some early birthday gifts:

Love, love, love this pic!

The four of us.  Hope you all had great Thanksgivings too!