An Iowa Thanksgiving

Days, weeks, ok maybe even months before the holidays were coming, I wondered what they would bring. This was a first for me. A first Thanksgiving without extended family. I have been blessed in years past by spending the holiday with either my side of the family in Scottsdale or with Dan's side in Colorado Springs. All have been memorable and wonderful family celebrations. So good in fact I wondered how I'd make it through my first without them. I knew it was going to be hard, what I didn't know is how special it was going to become. Tradition has held a special spot in our family gatherings and it was now our turn to form our very own. Even our morning greeting of Thanksgiving wishes were special in itself. We greeted each other almost as if it was Christmas morning. Instead of rushing downstairs to open gifts, we rushed to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. It was the first year the kids truly appreciated it. And I might add, watched it until Santa sent his merry wishes. I have roasted turkey in the past and found out (by mistake) that cooking them upside down makes for a delicious, juicy turkey. This year I switched it up a bit and took some tips from TV shows and my favorite, TV Food Network. So while the actual cooking for Thanksgiving began several days earlier for me it was time to put the icon of the day in the oven. This gave way to some free time and quality family time. We played board games, watched football and sat over some tasty appetizers. The day couldn't have ran any smoother. We decided to break from the eating early tradition and sat down to our feast and our normal dinner time. What a feast! While I have to say hands down my grandma makes the best stuffing, mine might have come a close second ;) The kids and Dan were so gracious with their compliments on our dinner. I felt so proud to have done it, with the help of my wonderful hubby. He came through this day for me with shining colors and I couldn't be more grateful. His help in the kitchen was a blessing especially come cleaning time but it doesn't surpass the support he gave throughout the day. Dan was the official ring leader and kept the day flowing with fun, laughter and a Thanksgiving Day Grace my grandma would be proud of. I know I sure was and it just may have been the one of many highlights of "Our 1st Iowa Thanksgiving!" Now Christmas is near and though some family is far, I know how special Dan, Noah & Emma really are!