Thanksgiving

I love to wake up on Thanksgiing morning at my mom & dad's. It's great to smell turkey, ham, corn pie, mac & cheese, and so many other things baking in the kitchen all at once. It is one of the most pleasant ways to be woken up next to getting hugs and kisses from the boys. I know we won't always get to come home because the Army will keep us far away, but for now I can say I've never missed a Thanksgiving in Cameron. It's one of the few traditions I hope never changes or not much anyway.

For years it was one of the few times we saw my Aunt Beth, Uncle Mark, Cousins Michael, & Elizabeth. Wednesday night is when everyone arrives. We have barbeque on that night! On Thursday we have 2 turkeys. Mom bakes hers and Uncle Mark brings one that he has smoked. Aunt Beth brings a lemon pound cake that Dad hides. She also makes cole slaw for Mom which is my least favorite, but the rest of the family loves and makes a huge deal over. We always have the Macy's parade on the television and for years I watched it with my grandfather at his house. Friday morning the majority of the household gets up before dawn and sneeks into the woods to wait on unsuspecting ducks.

After the big duck hunt Dad has a huge breakfast of shrimp, grits, doves, gravy, and toast. Later in the day there is skeet shooting and if that's not enough they hunt for deer. On Friday night a few close old friends come over for a catfish stew and everyone sits outside by a fire talking. This year the crowd seemed smaller, but it was still a great Thanksgiving. I hope my boys will grow up enjoying these traditions the way I have. I know if Zach has anything to do with it they will because he says it is his most favorite time of the year!

Cousin Elizabeth & Uncle Mark

Aunt B and Stephen

Colonel, John Christian, & Zach Chowing Down
What did John Christian eat? Mac & Cheese of course!!

Charlie enjoyed his first "Real Thanksgiving Meal". Last year all he got was milk! :)

Mom & Lizzie Lou (Two of John Christian's favorite people!)

What sweet boys!

We missed Amy & Thomas who were in Abbeville with her family, but it was nice to have John at home with us this year for Thanksgiving lunch. Amy visited with her family because she will be too far along in her pregancy at Christmas to travel.

Michael & Mom
I cannot believe he will be 16 this February!!

Aunt B & Uncle Mark

Charlie loves this little rocking chair.
I tried to do a little photo shoot with him in the chair because he is normally such a little ham.
I think he was just too tired!

Playing with Uncle Stephen is always fun!

YaYa, You are just so funny!!

What's the next best thing to maccaroni and cheese? YaYa's famous Chocolate cookies and cream dessert!

Great Uncle Trippett stopped by Thanksgiving afternoon as always. He pulls into the driveway. Hands me a bottle of wine & hurries away. This year we made him stay long enough to take a few photos.

It should be obvious which side of the family Uncle Trippett is on. He and my dad's mom were siblings.

Have I mentioned that Charlie hates shoes and socks?
I just can't keep them on him, but it doesn't really surprise me since I am the exact same way!

Charlie was happy to be outside barefooted, climbing up and down the steps, and chasing the puppy dogs on Thanksgiving! He makes his mom a little nervous sometimes!

Pointing to the dogs.

Aunt B and Lizzie Lou
I can remember when she was just six months old and got rice cereal for the first time.
I am feeling very old!

Playing on the Gator is always huge fun.
We just need to find a way to get better traction on the worn down tires.
I must say this thrift shop find has been a great investment!
I just hope it holds up a little longer!

Dad & Sally Dog