Every year that I can remember we've gathered at my Granny & Papaw Hicks' house to celebrate Thanksgiving. It's one of the very best memories from my childhood and I look forward to it every year. 
When I was a little kid the tradition was for all of us, my family plus my mom's 4 siblings and their spouses & children, to stay at my grandparents house on Wednesday night - staying up late snacking and playing cards. Then on Thursday, we ate a HUGE potluck, buffet style lunch followed by an afternoon of neighbor/family rivalry in an intense game of volleyball. Friday and Saturday us girls would usually do the crazy shopping while the boys went hunting or watched football & babysat the little kids. And that was tradition... and it's been wonderful.
When I was a little kid the tradition was for all of us, my family plus my mom's 4 siblings and their spouses & children, to stay at my grandparents house on Wednesday night - staying up late snacking and playing cards. Then on Thursday, we ate a HUGE potluck, buffet style lunch followed by an afternoon of neighbor/family rivalry in an intense game of volleyball. Friday and Saturday us girls would usually do the crazy shopping while the boys went hunting or watched football & babysat the little kids. And that was tradition... and it's been wonderful.
This year however, we decided to switch things up. As our family continues to grow and expand, it seems like more and more of us we trying to be in three places at once, so it just made sense to make a change. So because most of the other families celebrate on Thursday and the last couple of years our volleyball games have fizzled, Wednesday has become our new Thanksgiving celebration day!
And since several of us either had the day off from school or work, we met up early and had ---- none other than . . .
A dance party! HA!! We pulled out some old school moves including "the shopping cart," the "cupid shuffle," and the "cha cha slide." Colt also helped us "crank that - soulja boy" while Abby taught us to "wobble."
Hallie and Dakota showing us how to look "hard."
Granny watched from the sidelines . . . but did show us up when it came to doing the "Charleston" :)
The rest of the crowd (there were 35+) joined us later that evening for a magnificent feast! It's always fun cramming that many bodies into a small space, everyone bumping into each other, while trying to cook and keep sneaky hands out of the dishes at the same time!!
Caught you Britt & Dakota ! !
Poor papaw - I think we wore him out trying to maneuver around us all . . . Luckily his prized ham & dressing were as delicious as ever!!
I love how informal and laid back we all are, it's just so comforting. We're an "anyone is welcome, just a grab a paper plate and get in line" kinda family. It's organized chaos at it's best - we never really know who all's going to be there or who's bringing what - it's just a fun surprise, showing up and filling your plate.
You're lucky if you can find a place to sit down, and even luckier if your seat is still available if you leave for a drink refill :) HA! Gotta love a big family . . .
The After . . . (Amy's cheesy mashed potatoes were a favorite as always, and Colt's 1st time dish of seasoned vegetables went over exceptionally well)
Dessert Time!!
There were SO MANY delicious desserts that I didn't get the chance to sample them all - though I did hear that Jessica's pie was, "one of the best ever" - Levi ;)
My 'Sweet' Family
Full bellies are followed by lots of joy and laughter - and typically a few really great stories, while hanging out in the kitchen, from the family's greatest storyteller.
I love that at any given moment there can be 25 different conversations going on, a number of groups playing various games or cards, at the same time toddlers are screaming and fighting over toys playing together, while others try to nap on the couch. :) Somehow it all just works . . .
The (young-hehehe) Ladies
A few good fairies snuck in and cleaned during one of the many food intermissions
The boys (minus my hubby - who showed up late because of deer hunting)
If you're looking for a few giggles, there is no shortage in this family . . .
Thursday morning we awoke to the scrumptious smell of Papaw slaving away over the stove again. He had prepared biscuits, sausage gravy, bacon, eggs, pancakes, and probably the best waffles I've ever tasted. A few others supplied treats like cinnamon rolls and Aunt Betsy provided her signature Chocolate Gravy!
After breakfast it was time to hit the Black Friday adds!!
We also got in a little relaxation and playtime.
Davin tried the Saltine challenge . . . and failed
oh these boys . . .
That afternoon me, momma, Granny, Aunt Lesia, Amy, and Abby headed up to Fayetteville and enjoyed a light dinner & a great movie, 'Water for Elephants.' About 10:00, it was time to hit the stores! Wal-Mart was our first stop and it was CrAzY - I'd never been there on Black Friday and even though I'd heard stories, I never imagined how nutz it actually was! HA! People were going wild . . . Abby and I stood in line for Aunt Lesia and just kept laughing and saying, "Remember the Christmas Spirit Everyone." After Wal-Mart we checked out Target and Kohl's but the lines were so ridiculous we just snapped a couple pictures and headed to the Mall
--only to be met by more crowds and more lines . . . Oh well :) it was fun and a little different experience shopping through the night. We headed back home around 2 am and then were back up and out on the town by 6:30. We had a great time but were really ready for an afternoon nap!
Saturday was Thanksgiving with the Williams' side and this year we met at Cara & Jeff's house. It was a quick trip for everyone, but absolutely a wonderful and relaxing day just getting to sit around and visit while the kids played.
We had a DELICIOUS meal, which included the best turkey and sweet potato casserole I have ever had!
Oh My Word . . . it was so good
This was baby Alissa Claire's first family get together. Precious.
Finally starting to see a bump!! Hunter enjoyed feeling baby Lily kick and is very excited about holding her soon.
Adorable Twinkie Cousins
And little miss Peyton keeps getting cuter & cuter
and had a really great time dancing around with their "bellies"
One more day spent enjoying family and being so incredibly Thankful for our many blessings.
Thank You Lord
Hunter sure enjoys his cousins
Thank You Lord
Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.
Psalm 95:2-3
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