Thanksgiving at the Whelans!

Well, we did it! Our tradition of hosting Thanksgiving in Yakivegas has officially been reinstated.

Paul arrived home Wednesday evening, just in time to help us eat some pizza. We all headed off to bed early as Thursday promised allot of prep and fun. Thursday morning arrived way too early but after ME and I showered, it was into the kitchen to make ready for the feast of feasts.

With pots and pans everywhere in sight, we went about preparing dressing, green bean casserole, zesty carrots, smashed potatoes and of course, the star attraction, Mr Butterball. With these pesky chores done, we welcomed Caitlin and Dayton. The noise level immediately tripled. Dayton did what Dayton always does, made awesome sandwiches for lunch. With the digestive systems gearing up for the big event, some of us watched football while others talked, talked and talked.

4PM showed up quick and with allot of help from the crew, we were all quickly sitting around the dining room table, tossing back way more than the body could stand. But wait, there was more! Desert came from two directions and had to be sampled, some samples larger than others.

After a rowdy couple of rounds of "Apples to Apples", some of us cried uncle and crashed. Especially after ME won two rounds in a row!

Black Friday had Dayton out of the house before 5AM to grab us a new printer at Walmart. Once installed, ME and Caitlin set about the task of updating our Christmas card list and printing labels. We all tried our best to relax a bit as Saturday promised a drastic change of pace.

Eight more "Raines" showed up Saturday. Four from the East and four from the West. With thirteen people in the house, it was unreal. Flashes from cameras were blinding and the conversations escalated as each wanted to be heard over the other. The weather cooperated to allow a venture outside. While the younger ones played football, ME enjoyed tossing a Frisbee. (We have a video of this!)

Half of the "Raines" crowd headed back West as the rest of us scrambled to find more food. Another rowdy game was in the cards as evening arrived. A few players were a bit over- enthusiastic, I guess "intense" is a better word to describe them. All in all, a great day. None of us had any problems sleeping last night.

Today brought the end to it all. Most all departed by noon with Paul leaving last at 1PM. All of a sudden, our house was silent. BUT!, before everyone left, ME showed everyone how well she can walk using a walker! (We have video of this too)

ME and I had a blast. Everyone helped. The guys controlled the kitchen, from food prep to clean up. Caitlin allowed me the opportunity to enjoy uninterrupted sleep for a few nights.

We hope and trust you all enjoyed a great holiday. If it was half as good as ours, you had a winner.

May the feasting continue!