Turkey Day, oh so thankful.

Our trip to the Rio Grande Valley was wonderful, but way too short of a visit.
So many pictures and wonderfulness but I want to share Turkey Day first.

I have to say it was the most relaxed Thanksgiving...EVER.
Our uncle introduced his girlfriend whom we instantly fell in love with.
We saw our cousin who we hadn't seen in a LONG time.
And so much family around...20 to be accurate.

We made all food from scratch!
We even whipped out the molcahete for the grinding of the garlic, this little puree went into the most awesome mexican rice you'll ever allow your lips to touch...You rock Lori.
Though I'll give credit where credit is due, Rita ground the herbs :) ( and she too makes awesome rice...I on the other hand don't..sigh)




All us gals took turns in the kitchen making our specialty dishes.
Mom made all the pie crusts and pies the day before, which were all yummy.
She also made the Turkey, Ham, and YES her FAMOUS corn bread stuffing.
I made broccoli and rice casserole, Lori made her infamous Mac and Cheese, Rita brought over her oh so yummy green beans, with turkey bacon and not pork bacon because she loves me.

While us gals were in the kitchen men folk kicked backed and relaxed...typical.


I had to take a pic of daddy and Yuyo.
This defines my childhood to a "T".
We were always learning "fighing moves" from daddy.
Needless to say if we were picked on in a fight.....we WERE the last ones standing.
Oh the violence.



The other men folk tinkered with the go cart, the boys watched anxiously to see if they could get it working.





Lots of running, Grapefruit picking (and eating)........................

...and sliding!

This slide was a bit high up and I'm super scared of heights but I fought through my fear because this slide was a bit too much fun.

My bro in law put it up against a tool shed where a club house on top is in the works.

The boys climb up a big ladder and when they want down they well....slide.

Finally the food. It was so darn yummy.

The 20 of us gathered in a circle as mom said grace.

I can't remember a more beautiful prayer of thanks.
She was most grateful to have all her children under one roof again.

Kiddie Table

Carving of the roast beast.

Sweetest Thanksgiving that I can remember...and oh so relaxing.

And quick note.
Nothing and I mean NOTHING came out of a box...mmmmm hmmm thats how we roll.