Thanksgiving 2014

It's been 7 years since we were able to enjoy Thanksgiving with family. 7 years of missing out and wishing we could join in the festivities. We had the gathering at my brother's house and all brought various dishes to share.

(Please excuse the crappy phone pics but... you get what you get and we'll all survive.)

I made deviled eggs and this green bean casserole (watch for the recipe soon).

The kitchen was the popular gathering point for us adults. Duh, that's where the food and wine were.

The kids kept themselves busy playing with train tracks and various electronic devices.

The dog gave up. This many people were exhausting.

The babies love grandpa.

After everyone had their bellies filled, it was time for football and games.

Between jokes, farts, and many many laughs, we did manage to snap a few nice family pictures. These were the first ones we've taken in probably 15ish years and I really wish we were smart enough to choose a better place with better lighting.

Our lovely cousin joined us for a few pics too. :)

And now the outtakes...

My niece wanted in the pictures too.

And those pics preeetty much sum up my crazy family. We're weird and proud and of it.

Turkey Turkey

Today I'll be showing you an easy turkey craft perfect for the Thanksgiving season.

Things you'll need:

• pencil or pen
• scissors
• empty toilet paper roll
• markers
• glue
• colored construction paper
• googly eyes (optional)

First, you or your child will trace your child's hand on the construction paper with the pen or pencil. Do this several times as they will be the turkey's feathers.

Next, cut out the hands and glue them onto the empty toilet paper roll. You'll want to glue them in a fan shape so they're spread out.

Either draw or glue on googly eyes. You can use scraps from the leftover paper to make the beak, feet, and wattle. Drawing them on is OK too.

You can see here how with Alena's turkey (on the left), she drew on the face and feet. She also drew feathers on the paper instead of using her traced hand.

There you have it! Easy peasy! It was simple enough that the kids were able to do most of it themselves.

Alena and Christian took it one step further and drew backgrounds for the turkeys. Cute!

Alena's pasture and flowers scene.

Christian's playground scene.

What kinds of fall crafts have you done? I'd love to hear em!