Quadruple Thanksgiving

If you've seen the movie Four Christmases you'll appreciate our plight during the holidays. We're lucky enough to live within driving distance to most of our family, which means we're expected to make the rounds to everyone at thanksgiving. We had four meals in four towns in two days and as usual, it was great but CRAZY.

Here are some highlights:

Thanksgiving #1: Our house. 

We let The Boy sit at and eat from the big table in a statement of unity and family togetherness. Note the food smeared all over the table. Oh, and he's shirtless. 

When he kicked himself back from the table repeatedly he was relegated back to his high chair. Note he is now eating off the bottom of his plate. Martha Stewart has never seen the likes of this, not even in prison. She would, however, appreciate our fall centerpiece, which The Boy climbed onto the table to get more than once. 

As the only child present, The Boy wanted to make sure that all our guests were watching his antics. 

Thanksgiving #2. The Husband's Grandmother's House

The Husband is one of 18 first cousins (20 if you count step-cousins) so there are a ton of people at his grandmother's house and a ton of kids. The Boy wandered about, playing with his cousins and generally trying to escape from any adult supervision. There were children strewn all about and stacked 2 high. 

This night also included a night truck ride through the pasture for the kids. The cousins loaded up in the back, and when The Boy wouldn't sit down in the truck bed he went to the cab and drove with The Husband. Who apparently was asleep. 

Thanksgiving #3. Mother-in-law's house. 

My M-I-L's house features Victorian furniture and antique china in cabinets throughout the house. And also my toddler wielding a ball, a strong arm, and a crazy aim. Add in two 3 year olds, an infant, and The Boy's same age twin cousin who has the energy to match his. That combination makes for some close calls and nervous parents.

We were serenaded to the musical stylings of The Twin Cousins. Their music sounds a lot like when a cat runs across your piano. Being chased by a squirrel. Who has a hammer on his tail. 

Thanksgiving #4. My Dad's house. 

Here he was the only child again, an opportunity which he didn't let pass him by.  The Boy spent his evening kissin the family dog, River, on the lips. 

And he instituted the first annual Onion Toss event, which he won. 

After all that celebrating we were exhausted. And so blessed! 

On Sunday we recovered at home and put up the Christmas tree. 

Shirtless again, perhaps we are starting a holiday tradition.