The first of many!

The holiday season has begun and we've been enjoying our "first" season of everything together! The original plan had been to go back to Iowa to see my parents for Thanksgiving, but as the saying goes..."the best laid plans of mice and men...."

My parents were out of the country over Thanksgiving this year! So Plan B went into effect - host Todd's mom and brother at our place! We had lovely morning and early afternoon of breakfast (yummy eggs, bacon and cinnamon rolls) and prepping of the food. Even with the small turnout for Thanksgiving, we got a large bird, so we'd be sure to enough left over for soup. I was happy to host, as I love, love, getting out the "good stuff" -- aka china!

Todd's mom and brother came over about 5 o'clock and we had a lovely cocktail hour with appetizers before dinner. And then - oh the feast was on! We had turkey, mashed potatoes, green bean casserol, butternut squash, stuffing and for dessert - homemade apple crisp! Stuffed beyond belief I thought I would have to be rolled into bed later that night!

Our table, set as proper as I could - and yes, I did have Google "formal placesetting" to ensure I was correct!

While we were cooking, things got a bit smokey - OK really smokey! So all the windows were opened and the cats throughly enjoyed their one last chance to relax and explore the window sills - meanwhile our townhouse temperature fell to 59!

Norbert had fun playing hide and seek under the table cloth


Doesn't the turkey just look delicious! I wish I could take credit, but I can't. Todd does a wonderful job with this one. He soaks it in a brine for 24 hours before hand. It turned out so tender and juicy!

Todd caught all of us by surprise - sneaky little thing with the camera he is!

Of course, the next day could only mean one thing...no, not shopping - we're not that crazy! We got our Christmas tree out! I got this tree about 3 years ago. The past two Christmases it had resided in my little two bedroom apartment in my little living room under a low portion of ceiling. Well, putting it out in a large open floor plan townhouse under a nice tall ceiling and it's beginning to look a bit small. I think next year we'll have to upgrade! In the meantime, we put on Christmas carols, cranked the volume and had fun!

Just getting started with hangin ornaments. Take note of the cat determined to "help" by being in the way!

The Christmas Cat is back! She loves the tree skirt. I'm afraid to admit it, but if you take a look at it now it's quite fuzzy!

A great shot of our tree this year. Complete with Christmas Cat (Sunshine)