5 pies, bunt cakes and a pumpkin roll.

Success. A very big success it was. Our first hosting of turkey dinner and Thanksgiving day turned out very well. The only thing we were missing were more mouths to eat the feast. However, our gathering of 8 was perfect company.

Our feast this year and holiday was very different than the year before as so much has changed. First, we stayed in Grand Haven at our home and had family come here. If the snow wasn't a foot high I think I might have packed us all up (and the feast) last minute and took the road home. I missed my parents, lil sis and grandparents a lot. But, I am ever grateful for those who came to us.

Secondly, R's Mom celebrated with us this year; another first. I really enjoyed having her. She brought corn cassarole, biscuits, fresh cranberry relish, 6 pies (more details later), beverages and teddy grahams for Edee. Oh! She brought me a beautiful vase of flowers too! Have you ever had Thanksgiving flowers? It was a nice little surprise.

Third: R smoked a turkey this year. For 5 hours too. He used wood chips, apples and onions. It was delicious. He can smoke a turkey every year if he wants too.

Fourth: We have leftover dessert! And there's nothing wrong with that. Even though we lost the pumpkin pie, it slipped off the pan and fell on the floor, we still had: 2 pecan cheese, 2 chocolate pecan and a pumpkin brickle, small pumpkin bunt cakes and a pumpkin roll. Gotta love having a baker in the family. 

Dinner took all day to prepare and 5 minutes for us to devour the delicious feast. It was well worth it. E and I ended our evening with a surprise visit from my little sis! The holiday turned out pretty good. Now I can't wait for Christmas!

I hope all of you were blessed with time spent with your loved ones, full bellies and lots of leftovers.

Keep loving.