Thanksgiving Madness!!

This past year has been such a blessing for our family and what a year it was to be thankful!!  Steve got his new job, and promotion with Volvo Trucks; we moved into our fabulous house in Greensboro; my brother married the love of his life, Rebekah, who is an amazing addition to our family; I had an amazingly easy pregnancy and labor resulting in our healthy and beautiful baby girl, Ryleigh; and this year we had the pleasure of having Thanksgiving at our house!

The Richardson/Ellis clan (Mamaw, Papaw, Mike, Vicki, Dave, Cristin, Tyler, Kylie, Aunt Sheri, and Heidi) joined us in Greensboro for a wonderful holiday weekend.  Some might think that 12 people, plus a baby, plus a dog would be stressful and crazy...and you'd be right.  But nothing beats the noise and warmth of a house full of loved ones!!

Steve's brother, Dave, his wife, Cristin and their kids, Tyler and Kylie arrived late Tuesday night.  We spent Wednesday preparing what we could for Thanksgiving dinner and Aunt Cristin got in all the hugs and cuddling she could with Ryleigh before everyone else arrived.  It was awesome to see Tyler and Kylie meet their little cousin and interact with her throughout the weekend.  Such cuties!

Everyone else arrived late Wednesday night and Thursday was spent laughing, hanging out, and of course, eating!  Steve smoked some wonderful turkey breasts and grilled one that was stuffed with stuffing and wrapped in bacon.  Can I just say, YUM?!?!  Cristin also made some delicious cranberry sauce with real cranberries spiced with nutmeg, allspice and cinnamon.  It smelled just like a Yankee Candle, and tasted just as good as it smelled.  

Friday was my 25th birthday.  Half a century.  UGH!  I can't believe how fast time flies...and now that I have my little angel, I'm sure it will fly by twice as fast!  Next thing I know, she'll be 25!!  It was a great birthday; relaxing with my loving hubby, cuddling with my baby and kisses from my puppy.  Couldn't ask for anything better!........Maybe a Lexus?  Just a thought ; )

The rest of the weekend was filled with laughs with the family and lots of relaxing!  I'm so happy that everyone was able to come down, share the holiday, meet Ryleigh and see our home.  It's hard being away from everyone and we understand how difficult it is to travel these days.  But we so appreciate everyone making their way down to us so that we can have a holiday in our own home with the people we love the most : )

Now.  It's time for Christmas!!!

 The brining process

 Heidi, Aunt Sheri and Mamaw

The guys, probably watching football

 Steve, maning the grill with some help from Cristin

 Steve's precious turkey breasts

 The "I'm so good, I should be illegal" bacon wrapped turkey

The chef and his masterpiece.  Just call him Bobby Flay!

 My first Thanksgiving feast!  With the help of my sister-in-law, Cristin : )

 My dessert, Gingerbread-Pumpkin Trifle

and of course, baby Ryleigh enjoying her first Thanksgiving