Thanksgiving

Isn't that a beautiful bird? Guess what? It tasted even better than it looks! I love love love this holiday. I love the family, the friends, the warm feelings, the gratitude, and the food, oh the food! Seriously, what could be better than an entire holiday that is centered around AMAZING food?

This year, my brother Ryan and his beautiful wife Suzie invited my family for Thanksgiving dinner at their house. It is the first time they have hosted, and they did an amazing job. They have plenty of room for all of the kids, and a backyard to banish them all to when they get rowdy!
There are a total of 33 people in my family, but we were missing 9 this year (Shane's family, Nykele and Steve, and Dallon). We missed each of them, but we found a way to move past the grief and have a good time anyway.

My family isn't the closest family you will ever meet, but we love each other. We are horrible at keeping in touch, but somehow when we are together it is like no time at all has passed.

The kids play, and have fun. The older boys tease and torment each other, the girls sing Taylor Swift and dance like drama queens, and the babies run around being cute and getting adored!This year we took part in a Stewart family tradition (thanks Suzie) and put our kernel of corn in the bowl and said what we were thankful for. Most of the favorites were present, family, health, loved ones, safe travels. Tears were shed over the loss of loved ones, and the joy of having new members added to our fold.
Did I mention that the food was good? Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Stuffing, Corn, Rolls, Raspberry Pretzel Salad, Jello Salad, Cranberry Sauce, and Turkey (I went back for seconds on the turkey, and then had a turkey sandwich before the night was through). Many hands make light work, and I love working in the kitchen with my Mom and Sisters. Ryan carved his first turkey!

The family football game was small this year. It consisted of Uncle Stuart, Jaycie, Dyllon, Jacob, Hunter, and Preston playing 500 at the park. The kids also enjoyed the getaway, and got plenty dirty digging in the sand.

The pie was FABULOUS! My family sure knows how to do dessert up right! I think there was enough for each of us to have our own (probably not, but it was close!) Three types of pumpkin pie, apple, pecan, chocolate, and Suzie's amazing lemon dessert! Yum! We all went home with tummy aches, partly from the pie, but mostly from laughing. There is always sure to be lots of laughing at a Conger gathering, and this year didn't disappoint. Once Michele lost her voice and Ryan started translating for her, it was over.
Yeah, that about sums it up. Good food, good family, good fun! I love my family!