Family Tradition

I've already got the holiday fever this year.  I think having kids brings it on early.  While I LOVE Christmas I also LOVE Thanksgiving.  There is something so good about sharing a wonderful meal with your loved ones.  There's a crispness in the air and it's just beginning to be cool enought for a coat.  The fall leaves are still on the ground crunching as you walk outside.  It's just a special time of year.  Our Thanksgiving Tradition is that we really don't have a true tradition.  Except, we do meet family members SOMEWHERE for the holiday. 

Last year for my mom's side of the family we met at my cousin Courtney's house in Tennessee.  She lives on a mountain in Chattanooga and it was the perfect setting for Turkey Day. 

One of my favorite pictures of the three of us.

Ollie & Todd chowing down. 

A little dark but - Lindsay, Me, a month old baby Lauren and Livie getting her first dose of being "gentle" with a baby. 

The week before we shared an early Thanksgiving at my Mema Millwood's house.  Lots of little boys (my cousin's little men) running around with my little girl.  Ace will LOVE them when he gets older - he was in my tummy this time last year.

A perfect fall Turkey Day.

  Me and my girl.

Livie with funny Uncle Johnny.

Meet Brett, Jeremiah & Tristan.  Boys totally run my dad's side of the family.  I was the only girl in my generation for many years until my cousins Paige & Peyton were born and so far Livie is in hers.  The opposite is true on my mom's side where the girls seem to rule the roost. 

I think that this year we will be at my parent's house.  It will also be my first time to really help out with the cooking.  One of the things I'm thinking of making is this:

Pumpkin Bars

2 cups flour
2 tps. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tsps. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. ginger
2 cups sugar
1 cup salad oil
4 eggs
16 oz. canned pumpkin


Mix all together.  Grease and flour cookie sheet.  Bake at 350 degrees 20-25 minutes.


Frosting
3 oz. cream cheese softened
6 T. butter softened
1 tsp. vanilla
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar.


Mix all together and spread on top of the cooled pumpkin bars.

This is from my friend Samantha.  What do you think?

Thanksgiving may be a little bit smaller affair this year, but it will still be a good meal, good conversation, good football, good weather, good naps and good times. 

P.S.  Can't you tell my sister-in-law was at the Millwood Thanksgiving?  Such good pictures!