Pilgrims and {Part} Indians

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving this year.  And even though we didn't travel to Utah, we still got to spend the day with family.  We were grateful to be able to spend Thanksgiving with Robbie and Kris, and even more grateful that they were willing to host Thanksgiving in their lovely home!

We started the day as soon as the girls got up, which is earlier than we would like.  But it was a good thing on that morning, since we had plenty of cooking to do!  I got up at 5:00 am to get the rolls rising, and then we started the rest of the cooking around 8:00.  We were responsible for the rolls, the sweet potatoes, the green beans, and the desserts.  Danny and I were SO excited to try out some more recipes for our favorite food blog, Our Best Bites.  And once again, they didn't disappoint!  The rolls were of the frozen variety this year, but we made Candied Coconut Sweet Potatoes, Caramelized Green Beans, and Pumpkin Crumble (and we got a frozen chocolate silk pie as well).  And they were all A-MA-ZING!  The sweet potatoes were really good, but I think the recipes of the day were the Caramelized Green Beans and the Pumpkin Crumble! 

Once our food was done and the kids were cute, we loaded up the car and headed to San Pedro.  When we arrived, we discovered we weren't the only ones busting out some culinary prowess!

  

Robbie and Kris were responsible for the turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and roasted asparagus.  Kris used Alton Brown's Fool-Proof Bird recipe for the turkey, and I can't put into words how amazing it was!  I can't wait to try one myself.  And the cranberry dipping sauce?  Also an Alton Brown recipe, and also amazing!  We ate ridiculously good.  I have to admit, it might be the best Thanksgiving dinner I've ever eaten!  And not too shabby for a bunch of first timers!  :)

The girls enjoyed their food.  Sophie was particularly fond of Kris' Cranberry Punch.  She nursed a couple of glasses full...

And Claire made it abundantly (and disgustingly) evident how much she was enjoying her meal!

And our sweet Johnny just enjoyed the chaos of his first Thanksgiving.

After we stuffed ourselves to an uncomfortable point, we just enjoyed the rest of the day together.

Danny and Robbie were awesome husbands, and let us girls relax and watch a movie while they did the dishes.  Danny wanted to be sure I took a picture, so that Mom could see the good boys she raised.  Thanks, Mom!

Danny and I have so much to be grateful for.  We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful marriage, and one that can last for eternity.  We know we've been blessed beyond what we are worthy of as we've had each of our extraordinary children.  We're grateful for the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, and for the Plan of Salvation.  We are infinitely and eternally grateful for our Savior's atoning sacrifice, which makes this life not only possible, but joyful.  We love our life and are grateful for every moment of it!

Happy Thanksgiving!!