Early Thanksgiving Dinner

Last weekend we had an early Thanksgiving dinner with Jake's family at our house. It was the first BIG meal we've had in our home. It was crazy, erratic, hair brained, hectic, crowded, I could go on forever. But most important it was fun, and amazing, and something I will never forget.

There were 9 of us in our house, our 1200 sq ft house. Jake's parents, Marc and Chiere, stayed in a hotel near our house, otherwise there is no way we would have all fit :O) We built a fort out of sheets for Noah and Nathan in the middle bedroom. I was a little worried that the boys wouldn't be able to go to sleep but it seemed to work out great! I loved making forts when I was little and I hope it is something we can do each time they visit us. Something they look forward to doing at Uncle Jake and Aunt Chelle's house.

Steve, Noah and Faith hanging out in the fort on Saturday while Trena and I slaved over the hot stove and made our first Thanksgiving dinner together.

Milo and Bella were a little scared with all the extra people and noise. But Milo still made it a point to sit in his chair with Marc for a little while. Milo sure loves attention :O) Poor Miss Bella was so scared she really didn't come out from under our bed all weekend.

For the most part everyone, except Trena and I, lounged around the house for most of the day.

I am actually surprised Jake

stayed awake all day. The week before this was the first week of Burlington-Eddison Tiger Basketball practice for the 2010-2011 season. Jake worked 14 and 15 hour days that entire week. Along with going on the Varsity Retreat Friday night and Saturday morning. I know he had tons of fun with basketball that week, but I also know he was existed after such a long week.

I did manage to get a picture of Jake and I in while taking other pictures :O) Jake sure looks sleepy in this one!

I wanted to get a picture of the "destruction" in our kitchen. It is amazing how many dishes you can use when cooking! I know I did the dishes 3 times just because we ran out of dishes to use. These pictures don't really do it justice. This is nothing compared to what it was a few times. Trena did most of the cooking and I tried to help as much as I could but with my limited amount of cooking experience I'm not sure I helped a lot. Trena was very patient and helped me out a lot. For our kitchen being what I call a "one butt kitchen" I think we did a great job!

Our table all ready for dinner. Cant even tell we rescued this table from our neighbours lawn with a FREE sign on it, can you? It cleans up really well :O) I am sad that I didn't get a picture of all of us at the table. Nor did I get a picture of any of the food. Things to remember for next time I guess.

Note to self: get more matching place mats.

We did a little Christmas with the kids. Trena, Steve, and the kids are going to be in New Zealand for Christmas so they wanted to do our gift giving early. It is amazing how excited little boys can get when you mention presents :O) Faith even got in on the excitement.

After a long day, I think we were all a little tired.

All in all it was a long day and a long weekend. But it was a good weekend. It is always good to be surrounded by family, especially during the holidays!