When I had returned from South Asia, I introduced the Balinese giraffes to their Kenyan brethren.
Next it was the office lunch and we celebrated Sandra's birthday
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As Thanksgiving approached, office alumni returned and so I captured Megan and Sean with their twins.
But the main event was Thanksgiving and so we started with Josephine chopping celery for the stuffing
as the chocolate chip cookies cooled
and bread for stuffing was assembled
along with corn bread
and stuffing mix in the roasting pan.
There were also lots of breads
and salami
which came into focus
as the chorizo appeared
not to mention a massive quantity of sugar
as even more groceries appeared for processing
and the refrigerator had to be emptied so that repair work (not what we needed on Thanksgiving) could proceed.
This inspired Suzanne to clean the windows
as Josephine processed the mushrooms
and Suzanne continued her cleaning
before Adele arrived
with Kaylen
and nuts were served
as Jane showed off her new glasses
which amused Kaylen.
Next, Joel and Will appeared and Ben was off
but Matt Traylor made a brief appearance moving quickly
as the flower arrangement was unpacked.
This was the day of the main event and as Ben and I returned from the airport, we were greeted by Justin
as Matt worked on stuffing
and Ed posed for his arrival photo
as did Sarah.
The stuffing was cooking
as the soup mix emerged
and the table was set
as the stuffing started to take shape
while party favors were put at the places
and more food appeared for processing in the kitchen
as tortillas were taken
and Brussels sprouts stood waiting
along with haricot vert
which were about to be strained
as the stuffing was poured
to accompany the beans
and the final bits of Matt's stuffing were prepared
as Suzanne dealt with the parsnips
and Justin checked out.
The soup mixture was growing
and other foods were brought forth
as bread was sliced and diced
and the turkey was bacon'ed and put into the oven.
The mushrooms were cooking away
the bread was being prepared
and even more stuffing emerged
as the next turkey was being readied
along with the haricot vert
Brussels sprouts
and pancetta
even as the mushroom mixture cooked
and parsley was sliced and diced.
A relish tray was begun
along with a cheese tray
which inspired the completion of the relish tray
as nuts were prepared
and this lovely mixture emerged.
This was the moment when the Megarys arrived with Matt and Jack emerging first with Tess close behind
and so the family welcoming photo was taken
along with the welcoming photo of Fran and Dick.
This inspired the creation of the sweet potato fries
and Brussels sprouts
as the fries were put into the oven.
Next we went to Marquand Park where Jack established himself as king of the tree stump.
Back at home, the turkeys were completing
and being cut apart
as onions were being sauteed
with carrots
which amused Kate and Betsy
and Emma and Tess
as Ben's classmate John appeared
and joined the male crowd watching football
as Emma and Kate posed in the kitchen
and dinner foods began to appear
some fresh from the oven
others from the stove top
as Betsy made her way
through the buffet line
and this was Sarah's plate
and Suzanne's
and the turkey meat of differing colors
as the assembled enjoyed their meals
until dessert was served
including pecan pie
and pumpkin pie.
I then put Tess on my shoulders
and swung her upside down
before Will Fisher arrived in socially awkward fashion.
The next day, there were pans to clean
as morning coffee was made
and the remains of dinner were visible.
Later we went to the lighting of the tree and Jane ran into Catherine
then posed alone
as the balloon blocked the next photo
as Matt and Kate posed
as did Betsy and Tess
and Suzanne
and many of the Megarys.
Rachel George arrived and posed with Jane and Catherine
Back at home, Suzanne enlisted Catherine
to take these groups photos in front of the wall of food
before we ordered in pizza which Kate dug into
as did Tess
Emma
and Jack.
After dinner, Ben helped Jack with assembly
until a final product resulted.
Saturday morning began with breakfast as Tess had her bagel
and Emma shared hers with Kate
as Jack ate his
while Suzanne served chocolate milk
and Sarah appeared
as the three girls gathered by Matt
and climbed aboard
for a family departure photo
before we began second breakfast with Sarah and Suzanne
as Suzanne opined
and Jane emerged
as did I in Suzanne's glasses
before we went on a walk passing the Jugtown plaque honoring the war heroes.
Later, the Davisson's arrived and settled in
which amused Jane
as I took this self portrait
before Alex Dahlen appeared and posed with the Eds.
Alex then took these group photos
