Thanksgiving Dinner

We did have a very lovely Thanksgiving Day. Quiet, relaxed. Most of the family watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in the morning, and enjoyed spending time with Daddy, home from work.

We were hoping for a dusting of snow today, as the weather man was promising, but the anticipated event did not occur. Perhaps a few flurries overnight.

Grandma's house was filled with laughter all night thanks in part to the antics of Jr Spragus and Baby, who were exploring anything that could be turned on or off; rolled; thrown; rocked; pulled apart; fallen off of, or otherwise manipulated with baby hands and vigor.

And dinner, of course, was Thanksgiving-y delicious. Spinach and pomegranate salad; sweet potato casserole with lashings of butter and layers of marshmallows; turkey, dressing and gravy; parker house rolls; and the glazed carrots and green bean casserole. Followed by coffee and pumpkin pie.

Baby ate until he looked like he would pop. After three or so plates full, he finally laid his head back in the high chair and sighed. Perhaps the rest of us were in a similar state but not quite so expressive.
The four older children sat at a separate table, and were led in their Thanksgiving prayer by the oldest cousin, 11 years old. Eavesdropping their prayer even as ours was being said, I heard them give thanks for family and friends reunited, the food, and ponies.

Holidays for me will likely forever be bittersweet. How could I look at the happy gathering and not be, well, happy...and yet if only one could be in two places and enjoy an equally happy gathering with loved ones on the other side of the world.

We miss you.

We love you!

Happy Thanksgiving!