Thanksgiving 2024

This year for Thanksgiving, it was just the 5 of us. I almost didn't do a turkey; it seemed like too much work for "just us," but the kids asked if we were going to do one. And I knew that the whole point of starting the traditions last year was so that we could continue them, and so the kids could have an anchor for their childhood memories. So a turkey it would be! :)

I decided to try a simpler {and smaller} turkey this year. I used this recipe, which allowed for less prep time. It was SO much easier to work with a smaller bird haha. While it was good, and I learned a little bit more about turkey prep and timing, admittedly...the Pioneer Woman's recipe was better! Turns out, the brining ahead of time makes a difference. Live and learn ;)

Mike made his grandma's homemade rolls again, and the kids were excited to help! It's fun to watch them jump in to help in the kitchen and grow in their culinary skills. And I love that Mike gets to pass down a family recipe and tradition. 

Somehow, we ended up making more food this year haha. It started with just turkey, rolls, and roasted green beans/carrots. But then I just started adding things for varying reasons: deviled eggs {because I don't really eat the traditional Thanksgiving things and I decided I wanted some}, cranberries {just the can, but I remembered that the kids loved them last year, and why not?}, mashed potatoes {I bought potatoes for the roll recipe, but ended up not needing them, so I didn't want to waste them}, and corn on the cob {because as we were finishing up the meal, Aiden goes, "Mommy, is there any corn?" and I remembered that we had some in the freezer that I could make that sweet boy who wasn't going to eat the roasted veggies haha}.

As Mike and I were finishing up dinner, the kids decided they wanted to "surprise" us by setting the table and decorating it. We have recently been learning in our manners book about table etiquette, and they wanted to put their knowledge to use! They're pretty cute, and it's good to know they're actually listening haha :)

Of course, we wrapped up the meal with some pumpkin pie. I'm thankful for this sweet day with my family.

Happy Thanksgiving!