Last month our kids decided to host Thanksgiving dinner at our son's home here in Yorba Linda. It was a group effort that could not have come at a more perfect time. By not having Thanksgiving at our house I was able to fly to Pittsburgh for 4 nights and attend the funeral of my Godmother. To say I had a good time, might sound irreverent, but it is really at these sort of family gatherings where you see cousins and aunts and uncles and even old family friends that you might not otherwise see for years and years.
I arrived home from the airport Thanksgiving morning. We picked up my mom, I came home and showered and we were off to Michael and Jenny's where the festivities were in full swing. With 8 kids running around and a houseful of adults, there is never a dull moment.
The newlyweds, Kyle and Briana, just returned from their honeymoon in India.This was the first time we had all seen them since they got married.
The little girls just love their two new aunties, Briana and Lauren.
The kitchen was humming with activity and every pot, pan and serving dish was being used to prepare the most delicious meal.
Molly outdid herself with the decor. Pinterest ideas and handmade decor was in full effect.
The grandkids are at an age where we can fill their plates and then eat quietly as adults. Makenzie, now 12, joined the adult table for the first time. She sure is growing up to be a sweet young lady.
The oldest and youngest of the family are the best of friends, playing with dolls.
The girls love their auntie Briana, wearing her new Indian sari.

Michael is growing his beard and refuses to cut it until he returns to work after his September on the job injury. (The good news is he has really had a remarkable improvement in mobility and nerve pain in the last few weeks. Please keep him in your prayers).
After dinner we played a raucous game of Heads Up. Whipped cream in the can was a hit with the kids...
especially Davis!
If anyone remembers that I pre-made the pies last week and then had Mr. Romance finish them while I was gone, here's the report. The apple pie turned out great. He baked it straight from the freezer to the oven, just like a regular apple pie, 15 minutes at 425'F and then about 60 minutes at 350'F until it was done. The pumpkin pies didn't fair so well. I think freezing the filling in jars changed something, because they just didn't turn out as tasty as freshly made pies. Plus, we used refrigerated pie crust and really, nothing compares to homemade. But, I did make the
Pioneer Woman's Pumpkin Sheet Cake, which turned out great, but a bit too sweet; cake always freezes well, and then I frosted it just before serving.
We missed Evan, who had to work, but were so blessed to gather with this large group of family.