Thanksgiving Festivities

For Thanksgiving we decided to make the 22 hour trek out to Texas to visit my family. My sister Sally hosted all the TX family at her house for the main event. She and her family outdid themselves getting ready for the occasion. (Thank you, thank you! It was wonderful!) We had 5 out of the 9 siblings in our family so it was quite a gathering for one place. Everyone pitched in with the food, each bringing some of their holiday favorites. One of the after dinner highlights was when Grandpa told one of his famous "Brer Rabbit" stories. What could be better than that? We also had lots of fun making flower barrettes for everyone.We all enjoyed it, but little Madelyn was the pro. She loved it and made more than anyone else.

Then we had a marshmallow shooter war. I had never tried out the guns before, so we were a bit worried that it wouldn't work. However, after a few puffs, we were all over it. The biggest doubter, my brother Sam, ended up having more fun than anyone, I think.

Paul ended up using a left over pipe and it worked just as well.

I made safety goggles for the kids out of soda pop bottles. I had read on the Internet that you could take some body's eye out with a marshmallow.

Here my sister Kate got shot in the ear. It was all wet and gooey, but can deliver a sting.

Here's Uncle Sam with the newest member of our family, little Cyrus. He is such sweetie!

Grandma and Grandpa

The second to the oldest- Sally with John and Todd. Bailey and Kelly are in the Marines so they couldn't be there.

Fifth child- Jennifer with Joey

Sixth child- Sam with Crimson, Hunter, Madelyn and Madison

Eighth child- Kate with Casey, Grace, Julia, and Cyrus