Thanksgiving 2011

Ethan came into town a week before Thanksgiving. I love when he is here, and Eli loves it just as much as I do.  We spent just about every single day leading up to Thanksgiving hanging out at my parents house with Ethan, and helping my parents get ready for Thursday.
When Eli saw Ethan for the first time last week, his face lit up like never before. He ran into his arms and just starred at him in disbelief like he could not believe Ethan was actually here. It was priceless.

Our Thanksgiving is pretty predictable: Turkey Fry in the morning, followed by an all day Turkey Extravaganza at my parents house with about 50 or our closest family members and friends followed by Polichinka Palooza Sunday morning.
I strategically put the boys down for their naps about an hour before we were expecting everyone in hopes that I could have some peace and quiet, and some time to actually visit with people and not be constantly chasing them around. Thankfully they both took 3 hour naps and allowed me and Blaine some time to ourselves.

Thanksgiving morning started out like any other at our house, except we had a visit from a Pilgrim and Indian at breakfast.

Shortly after, we headed to my parents house while the Turkeys were being fried, and the boys were playing poker.

With the help of my cousin Max, the boys played outside too (of course Eli has his mower!) before going down for naps.

And then the guests arrived....

Owen woke up first and enjoyed a little Thanksgiving lunch.

Everyone just kinda hung around all day. I would say it was one of my top-three Thanksgivings ever.  I wish I had been better about getting pictures, but between chasing Owen around and trying to visit with everyone, it just didn't happen.

We added another tradition this year that we celebrated Saturday night (in addition to our Sunday morning Polichinka Palooza).  My grandmothers birthday always falls around Thanksgiving, and one of my aunts and uncles live in Dallas and aren't usually here to celebrate her birthday  or Hanukkah with us. So we decided to start "Birthukah" (Birthday/Hanukkah) with a cake for her birthday, Hanukkah cookies, mandatory Hanukkah songs/singing and gift exchange.  It was great fun!
Here is my Aunt Carol trying to talk my grandmother into giving her some Hanukkah money.

Eli patiently waiting to sing Happy Birthday and help Grandma blow out the candles.

Sunday morning was our annual Polichinka Palooza, so everyone came over around 10am to eat some delicious Polichinkas, sausage, eggs, bagels and lox.

And after almost 3 years, Eli FINALLY found the best little cave for a kid to play. I used to play under here with our dog Charlie when I was younger and thought it was the coolest place ever.