Thanksgiving

We spent Thanksgiving day with Brad's family in Devine, Texas....actually Big Foot, Texas. We got to Brad's parents' house around dinnertime. We ate and visited with them and when Gabe started to get sleepy we snuck off and met Brad's friend, Brian, and his wife Daisy out at the only bar in town. It was our first night out since Gabe was born (thank you, Grandma!)and Brian and Daisy's first night out since their daughter, Bailey, was born six months ago. We really enjoyed ourselves. When the bar closed Brian and Daisy invited us back to their parents' house to continue to hang out. I was totally down for it, but Brad decided we better head back to check on Gabe. Father knows best...when we drove up, Grandma was up rocking Gabe in the rocking chair. I think it was just different surroundings that made Gabe a little flustered. Sorry to keep you up late, Grandma! Thanks again!

Thanksgiving day was chaotic as usual. Everyone was trying to get the meal together. Brad fried two turkeys, Margaret made stuffing and sweet potato casserole and gravy, and I made mashed potatoes along with a pumpkin cheesecake that I had made in Austin and brought along. For a little bit I was kind of anxious that the meal wasn't going to come together. Now that Gabe is a proficient crawler, there is no stopping him. He required constant supervision which is kind of hard to provide and peel pototoes at the same time. I tried to contain him in his pack 'n play with some toys, but nope. I would peel a potato and then have to go pick him up...that went on and on until Brad's sister Cathy, her husband Joseph, and their five kiddos showed up. Gabe was whisked off to play with that bunch and boy, did he love the attention! Thanks, gang! Without you I don't think we would have had mashed potatoes this year!

The rest of the crew arrived, Brad's uncle James, aunt Beth, and cousin Callie came over. They brought pumpkin pie, garlic green bean, and corn casserole (yummy!) Joseph's parents celebrated with us as well. His mom, Fannie, brought her famous Thanksgiving stuffing.

The meal was served and we ate and ate and ate. Gabe sat in a highchair that has been used by all of the grandchildren of that family and ate turkey and all the fixins. That kid loves turkey! The only thing he didn't get was any dessert...not too sure about giving him sugar yet. Don't worry, I ate his share! Nothing went to waste. (I'm sure it did go to my waist, though!) Thank you for indulging me in my bad play on words.

That evening we watched the A&M/UT football game and A&M won! Gabe wore his A&M onesie and Sandy wore her A&M bandana. Go Aggies!

We left that next Friday morning and enjoyed some down time at home the rest of that Friday and Saturday. That mainly consisted of playing with Gabe, putting up Christmas lights and watching football. Sunday we went to my Dad and Tricia's house to have a Thanksgiving meal with them. It was sooooo delicious. Brad and I love my Dad's stuffing. They got a nice booster seat with a tray and Gabe sat at the table right along side us. He ate a ton of turkey, mashed potatoes, peas, and stuffing. I think Thanksgiving might be Gabe's favorite meal...just like his momma. We had a great time visiting and Grumpy and Mimi loved spending time with their "little guy". They marvelled at how mobile Gabe is and we just enjoyed watching him explore.

Gabe sure is a nice addition to the family. Despite some fussyness over the weekend, Gabe was great during the celebrations. He loved spending time with everyone at both Thanksgivings and behaved so well and was so sweet as he was passed around from person to person.

We have a lot to be thankful for this year. That is for sure!