Thanksgiving 2013

 This year we had Opa and the I family over for Thanksgiving dinner.
 I wasn't certain who was coming when I bought the turkey, and I ended up buying a fresh one at nearly 30 pounds. I just thought we'd try it and decide it was the same, but I'm afraid it was markedly better than a frozen turkey, especially after Maddie brined it. It was so good that we're making her into our brining specialist.
 We're developing a standard Thanksgiving menu and we've got favorite recipes now for the turkey, the potatoes, the cranberry sauce, the yams, and brussels sprouts. Yes, brussels sprouts, and they're always gone by the end of dinner. Maddie and Rob continue to get adventurous with their pies -- this year they tried a lattice top for the first time. Next year I want them to try the apple-jalapeno with cheddar crust and the cranberry pecan that John and Clarissa swear by.
 With a 30 pound turkey, we had lots of leftovers. Good thing, too!
This guy celebrated Thanksgiving all November long, with poems, a pilgrim day, indian day, and lots of festive craft projects. He is truly having an ideal kindergarten experience.

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