thankful for thanksgiving

If I could make one wish it would be for our WHOLE family to get together to celebrate.  Every year. Every holiday.  Every celebration.


That is my wish but this is our reality.  Our family lives in Minnesota, Iowa, South Dakota, etc.  This wish will remain as such.  Our lives are all to busy and complicated


We love all the time we get with our family and this Thanksgiving with spent with my wonderful parents.  We enjoyed beautiful fall like weather, in the 60's, most of the week.  Taking advantage of the warm weather, we decided to walk around Garden of the Gods and then eat at the trading post there.  A very fun, relaxing trip.  To bad Daddy had to work that day.  Thanks for making the money honey!

After a long day being held, wheeling around in the stroller, eating some snacks, talking to all the nice strangers and enjoying the fresh air, Madison was exhausted!

Turkey Dinner was DELICIOUS!  I tried all new recipes (I know, scary!) and put new twists to our traditional style Thanksgiving.  Of course, Lefsa remained the staple to our dinner but the rest add a few unexpected and surprising tastes.  The turkey was rubbed with a homemade herb butter with sage, thyme, and a few others.  The chive and sour cream mashed potatoes were SO GOOD (My personal favorite and my own play on a recipe).  The "from scratch" green been casserole was mediocre.  I was really hoping for the wow factor with homemade fried onions but was disappointed.  The flavor punch was missed.  Rolls, Artichoke Dip,Wild Rice and homemade Pumpkin Pie were all added bonuses to this very good dinner.  

LEFSA

Delicious herb roasted turkey

Artichoke and Spinach dip with vegetables, triscuits and pita chips

I

Oh, so good

Can I please eat this yummy turkey and lefsa in peace Mom!

I must thank my mom for helping all morning with the cooking.  She was a great Sous Chef and made the pie to perfection!  Thanks Mom!