My First Thanksgiving

Yet another American tradition I am taking part in for the first time!

Thanksgiving Day (and the whole week leading up to it) was a great experience.  Not only was there  lots of good food, but I also got to meet a lot of my second-cousins and their significant others for the first time.  
What a great holiday/ tradition Thanksgiving is, to include all races and religions.  I think every country should allocate a specific date in the year for people to reflect about (and actually say out loud) what they are thankful for!  

The Food
 

AT LEAST a week before the actual Thanksgiving Day, the menu is already thoroughly thought out and planned.  There are so many people and so many different food preferences so it is important to find the right recipes while keeping in mind the traditional menu items for the occasion...

Preparing the meal...

 Setting the table....

In extra-large:  A Group shot before starting the Thanksgiving Feast!...

From the left of the table and moving around: Clark, Amber, Brandon, Laura, Marissa, Lani, Crystal, Melanie, Makita (myself), & Heidi.  Missing from this photo is Chris, who was taking the picture.

Especially for my Fiji peoples, I have listed for your interest...

The Menu:

• roast turkey
• winter squash rolls
• sweet potatoes w/ ricotta cheese 
• vegetable herb stuffing
• cranberry sauce w/ mint and basil
• pear and Roquefort salad
• mashed potatoes
• pumpkin pie and apple pie w/ ice cream and whipped cream (for dessert)

If you've just read the above, I'm sorry for making you hungry! :D

Family Time

The US is so big that even though someone might live in a neighboring state, it is usually a very long drive or an expensive flight away.  This is the case with my Oregon Family - as all the kids (except for Lani) live hours and hours away from home, family time during special occasions is cherished.  Below are just a few photos that capture some nice moments.

Chilling out

Mother and daughter photo :)

Lani and the much loved dog Jake

Lani, Crystal and Melanie

Brandon, Laura and Crystal, all sharing one chair! haha

Wreath Making Activity

Aunt Heidi is quite an experienced wreath maker as she was part of the Black Butte School Christmas wreath making/ fundraising team for a few years.  She suggested this activity and everyone was keen to try it (most of us were wreath making newbies).  The first part of the activity requires going out into the woods to pick supplies, so with gloves, mini saws and pruners we set out.  I really enjoyed our branch gathering venture - although it was chilly, the cool earthy smell was so refreshing!    

Back at home, the project took up the space of the whole dining table

Amber (who was probably already on her second wreath by this point!) and myself.

Laura and 'Uncle' Michael

tadahh!  Amber and Clark with theirs

Michael

The ever creative Crystal

With my completed wreath that was later on sent to my mum in Fiji! 

Isn't this a cute pic of Laura?!

I had a wonderful first Thanksgiving week and I can't imagine a nicer family to have spent it with.  What a great way to kick off the 2011 holiday season...  Thank you everyone for making my experience a great one.  Thanksgiving 2012 will have a tough time competing.