Thanksgiving 2011

I haven’t always been a Turkey day lover but ever since I didn’t get to really enjoy it in 2009, the year I was going through chemo, I have found a new appreciation for the day of eating and giving thanks. I know it sounds kinda cliché but its so true. In 2009 I had  dear friend here from Ireland but was pretty sick Thanksgiving day. Back then eating just wasn’t “fun” haha. So last year (which you can read about here) I was PUMPED to grub down an awesome turkey dinner BUT my mom ended up with the flu…and when Bernie is down I just don’t enjoy my day as much.

This year was EXTRA special…we were all present, healthy AND even had some extra guests. Yosh’s sister Missy, husband Chris and kids Bailey & Peyton came from New York this year for the holidays. It was their first Thanksgiving in California in over 9 years!! Usually they come out in summer time and we get to do family river trips, amusement parkts, etc. But this year they flew out on Tuesday and we have had lots of time to just relax and spend time together…no rushing around, no stress.  On top of the VanSoests being here…Chris’ mom, Vicki joined us for our turkey dinner as well as, Yosh’s grandmother Marie (Owen’s great grandma!)  It was awesome!!!

Souza Family Thanksgiving Picture 2011

Little bit from the past…to see the transformations since we became a family of three…

 

 

 

And before our Owen…November 2008….so excited to meet that lil person growing in my belly.  I tried looking for pictures of past Thanksgivings…but it seems that I can not locate them. I wish I was a better digital picture organizer back then…I wish I could easily access them!!

 

 

 

 

This year we had 13.5 dinner eaters and 2 additional people (Sister Teresa and Sister Margaret) showed up for dessert. It was enough to have 2 full tables in our front room…oh so exciting! 
(psssst…you like my new curtains??? I was so excited to put those bad-boys up!)

I even went all out and made name place-settings for everyone!! I HATE the awkward moment when everyone is trying to figure out where to sit. So I just eliminated that uneasy few moments by giving people assigned seats (I know..control freak…go ahead and say it! haha)

(name place settings inspired by pinterest haha) 

The day was fun…while Bernie tried cooking the perfect turkey (only setting the oven bag on fire once haha we love you Mother) we hung out, boys drank and watched lots of football, kids played…it was simply awesome!

My AMAZING husband and WONDERFUL brother-in-law Chris did the dishes too…yesss talk about making a woman happy!!! No really Uncle Mike…Chris and Yosh don’t need your help! hahaha

My favorite pictures of the day are those that represent FAMILY…SOUZA FAMILY!

COUSINS!

MOTHER & SON!
(Owen’s Great Grandma Marie & Papa Al)

SIBLINGS!

THE OLDEST & YOUNGEST MEET for the 1st TIME!

I’m very thankful we can all be together…as one family! Days like this make me miss having a big family, make me miss my brother Paul!!  With only have MY Mom and Dad I’m thankful that the Souza family has taken me in as one of their own over the years!!!

Now…its Black Friday…still have some shopping to do!