Double the Blessings

Thanksgiving 2010: bigger and better!  This year we celebrated with both sides of the family in the same weekend, something we haven't done in the past.  It was nice to get a double dose of loved ones, food, laughter and memories.

Thanksgiving Day was spent at my "aunt" Julie's, who has hosted the past few years.  It's cozy and warm, and the entire family settles right in, sinking back on the plush couch to watch football, nibbling at crackers and cheese, sipping glasses of wine all while waiting for the feast to finish cooking...which, this year, took much longer than usual due to a faulty oven.  The darn dressing just would.not.bake!  We waited it out, caught up with everyone and finally sat down to dinner at 3pm.

For this side of the family, I am thankful for:
*A small, close-knit group of relatives
*Great Aunt Florence's yeast rolls and the annual holiday punch
*Recoveries from illnesses and surgeries
*My cousin Megan's engagement to an awesome guy
*The jokes, the laughter and good conversations

Saturday was Thanksgiving #2, this time with the Stacys, and we were the hosts - our first time ever!  Everyone pitched in, carting loads of sides, rolls, appetizers, desserts and extra chairs from their cars as they arrived.  Mom and Matt came too, and it was very nice to have both sides of the family present in our home.  Jeremy fried the turkey, which turned out to be a fairly easy process despite having to brine it in a cooler the night before.  We loaded our plates and settled in for an afternoon of eating, chatting and relaxing.  It's hard work to host, but also very satisfying to look around your kitchen and no matter where you turn, there's someone pitching in to cut up veggies, stir a bubbling pot, wash dishes, or take out the trash.  Ava was passed from one person to the next, refusing to get down and play by herself - she enjoyed being in the arms of her extended family!  As our first time hosting a holiday feast, I'd give it two thumbs up.

For this side of the family, I am thankful for:
*A large, close-knit group of relatives
*Aunt Rita's decadent desserts
*The generosity of everyone
*The fact that they all traveled to Indy this time instead of us driving to North Manchester!
*Loud laughter, caring questions and lots of hugs

I've never appreciated this feeling of cozy family warmth as much as I do now that I have Ava.  I yearn to give her a stockpile of memories and traditions that she can someday pass on to her own children, and I hope that very soon she realizes the double blessings she has in her life: two families who love and care about her very much.  It was a happy Thanksgiving indeed!