Thanksgiving 2011

As always, we had a lot of fun over Thanksgiving visiting family in various places. We started off at Grammy and Grandpa Brown's house, where Cassidy helped Grammy prepare the turkey. She's becoming a good little kitchen helper! This was the first year that it actually sunk in for her that the turkey we eat for Thanksgiving dinner is the same kind of turkey that we also feed at the farm. We explained that the turkey lived a happy life and is now enjoying turkey heaven. She stared in disbelief at that uncooked turkey, and then said, "Wow, that turkey really is in turkey heaven." Gave us all a good laugh! Beyond the wonderful meal, the kids had fun playing the organ with Grandpa, opening special Christmas ornaments that Grammy picked out for them, and of course seeing new baby Jackson all decked out in a Christmas hat, onesie and winter socks. The last photo I'm adding here is Gavin responding to my request for a happy face. His teenage years are starting a little early.
Our next stop was Lafayette, IN for Thanksgiving with the Reder family. Mom and Dad visited via skype this year, since they had just completed their move down to Florida. They were missed for sure! But we kept all the same traditions going - all of our favorite family recipes for Thanksgiving dinner and plenty of homemade pies for dessert. The weather even cooperated for a friendly game of football in the backyard. The Hardings were wonderful hosts to us all - they seemed like old pros and made one of the most delicious turkeys I've ever had!