Thanksgiving thanks

 < simple appetizers to welcome the crowd >

Can anyone else believe that Thanksgiving has come and gone already this year?  There is something about 2013 that is just making the months fly by.  This year the man and I were happy to host another Thanksgiving for all kinds of family- 24 in all enjoyed a Thanksgiving feast at our place.  Thanks to a little preparation earlier last week, and all of the side dishes that our guests were kind enough to bring, the meal came off without a hitch and the celebration was wonderful!  We had a beautiful sunny afternoon which allowed for socializing and lawn games outside, and thoroughly enjoyed the benefits of our kitchen remodel for hosting this crowd.  I was very thankful for everyone who was able to join us that day, and feel very blessed to have all those wonderful people in our lives.  I was also very thankful to have a few days afterward to recover and regain the energy I spent as hostess.  (A few more celebrations actually occurred in the following days, so stay tuned for updates on those.)

 < tables set and decorated, ready for the meal! >

 < cute paper plates saved us tons of dishwashing time! >

 < loved putting together these simple and fresh centerpieces >

 < we rented glassware for the crowd but used silverware we had on hand >

 < love my helpful guy- fourth time we have hosted Thanksgiving at our house, but first time we have done this with little Baby B on the way! >

< helpful hands slicing all kinds of pie to enjoy for Thanksgiving dessert >