Thanksgiving 2012

According to pilgrimhall.org, "In early autumn of 1621, the 53 surviving Pilgrims celebrated their successful harvest, as was the English custom."  Those 22 men, 13 children, 9 adolescent boys, 5 adolescent girls and 4 married women had much to celebrate.  They had endured tough conditions, and were finally making their way in this new home land.  They praised God and celebrated their bounty. Later, this event would be referred to as the first Thanksgiving, and in 1863 Abraham Lincoln began the tradition of an annual national Thanksgiving.

The First Thanksgiving at Plymouth by Brownscombe

"Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on following, that so we might after a special manner rejoice together."  --Edward Winslow

Our current conditions might be different, but I am thankful that we still take the time to celebrate our bounteous blessing and thank our Heavenly Father for all he has given us.  Is seems so appropriate that we start the holiday season with Thanksgiving.  It is almost a preparatory celebration where we soften our hearts and we get ready to celebrate Christmas and Christ's birth.

We celebrated our Thanksgiving at Carolyn and Marty's house this year.  There were about 40 of us gathered.  That means lots of tables to set...

and lots of food to prepare.

Carolyn did a great job orchestrating everything.  

(Seen here with her oldest son, Jonathan)

The kiddies were so excited to be with their cousins.

Lizzy and Nataleigh,

 Nathan and Andrew,

 Jonathan and Melinda's Sophie, Max and Lucy,

Grandpa Marty and Sophie with Julia (bottom left), Rebecca (top right), and Sarah, too.

Austin, Josh, Conrad, Luke, Belle were all in the sunroom along with

Ethan and Jacob who loved being at a table with Andrew and Nathan, and no adults.

The adults enjoyed being together, too.  

This is about the only time of year we really see the Nebekers.

Emily with Melinda

 Heidi and Elizabeth

 Suzie and Elizabeth, John and Melora

We implemented a new rule this year.  The kids had to sit at the table until the adults rang a small bell.  Then they were free to get up from their tables and be excused.  If they left their chairs before the bell rang, then there was no dessert for the offender.  We had to qualify that a trip to get second helpings was not breaking the rule. It actually worked. Elizabeth's idea helped coral the kids--if even for a bit longer than in past years.

 This is what happens where the young ones are left less supervised.  Luke and Austin battle for who can clean the turkey legs...

 and we get a glimpse into the play world of Suzie and Joycee.

 It was a great evening.

To all the cooks of Thanksgiving dinner, I salute you.  

Thank you for making Thanksgiving a wonderful gathering. 

In our case, we owe credit to my mother-in-law and sisters-in-law:

Elizabeth, Heidi, Carolyn, Emily, Melinda, (Sophie), Me, and Melora.