Thanksgiving squared

One of Darryl's brothers gave him some advice years ago on what to look for in a potential mate. His first suggestion: find an orphan. It makes holidays a lot less complicated. Luckily (for me) Darryl didn't heed his brother's counsel.

Holidays do get a bit complicated when we are trying to see as many loved ones as possible in a short amount of time. Technically we rotate Thanksgiving and Christmas every year. For example, Davis family for Thanksgiving, Zitting family for Christmas. Usually we get to see both sets of family for both holidays, since our families live in close proximity. This year was even better, because instead of cramming down way too much food at two different locations in rapid succession, the feasting was separated.

My dad was on call ALLLLLLLL day on Thanksgiving and knew he wouldn't get much of a break for dinner, so my family decided to buck tradition and celebrate Thanksgiving on Friday. So we ate with the Zittings on Thursday and the Davises on Friday.

We had a great time at the Ranch. Eliana ran outside (despite the rain) and was quickly incorporated into a pack of children. I hardly saw her all day. We busied around the kitchen preparing to feed 70 people, chatting and visiting all the while. I'm amazed every year at how effortlessly Dorothy can pull off feeding that many people.

On Friday, our apetites renewed, we prepared all over again. It was great to visit with Grandma Beth and Grandpa Woody. An aside--at one point Grandma said she was hoping to check out of life early instead of living as long as her father (he nearly reached 100). I told her it was a little late for early check-out, since she's the most spry 87 year old I know. After stuffing ourselves silly (again) we visited and played Apples to Apples.

We counted our blessings, celebrated the harvest, and rejoiced with our loved ones. Twice.