Thanksgiving Dinner away from family

Thankfully, this Thanksgiving we were able to be with several law students and their families who were also far away from home. We all divided up the food responsibilities (which, like most things as you hit your 'first' marks as a growing parent, realize what kind of work went into the many many many dinners that my Grandparents put on). Trent helped me get the tables ready the night before. We were anxious when people started showing up at 3 with dish after dish.... 
We all left very satisfied.

 This was probably the bigger area and better for the round table, but I wanted to trap the kids in this room so that they wouldn't be able to run around near the couch with their food dripped hands and mouths. We had 7 kids under 5 years old.

 I had Trent snip a few evergreen branches from our backyard. And went to the local grocery store to fill our candle jars with pecans, soybeans, almonds, peas and cranberries.

 10 adults sat in our living room. It was cozy:)

The Wrights made the Turkey. It was moist and very flavorful. Must have been all those different onions and other stuffings. 

 They also brought the rolls and salad. I did some mashed potatoes.

 Sarah made green bean casserole, stuffing, and gravy. Erica made candied yams.

 A before (see above) and after (see below) picture.

 Turkey...what's left...

Desserts. MUST have several options to choose from....

Erica made Pumpkin trifle and eggnog cheesecake. Sarah made chocolate pie and pumpkin cobbler. I had a cheesecake and pretzel jello dish.


We were even lucky enough that Snow White showed up to join us. 

We didn't intentionally do this, but we happened to have all LDS Law Students and their families. 

Our first Thanksgiving away from home, family and all that we've ever known during a heavily family-oriented holiday. We may go to the Zoo with some friends tomorrow...to keep with tradition and all that. We are very blessed to have such good friends....who can also make such good food. It was a nice time.