Another Thanksgiving has come and gone. I swear, these holidays just keep going by faster and faster as I get older!
But it was certainly a great day.
Unfortunately, as I had expected but hoped wouldn’t happen, I woke up Thursday morning feeling rather under the weather. Our original plan was to get up, have breakfast, then go visit my mother- and father-in-law over at the nursing home. But since the nursing home advises against visitors who are sick, I had to stay behind. Luckily, Jay and Lucas were still able to go and visit for a little while though…I was just sad I had to miss out.
Once they got back home, we took care of a couple of quick house things, and I also got started on putting out some of our Christmas decorations. Then we were off to my parents’ house. We’ve got a small, cozy little family on my side, but that’s a-okay by me. It was our little fam of 3, my parents, my brother and his girlfriend Carissa, and my mom’s cousin, Bobby.
Lucas had all sorts of fun playing with a little camera that squirts water and nobody was off limits.
Not even mom!
And I swear, this kid loves my old toys more than he loves his own. Go figure?!
While everyone was enjoying their champagne, I was sipping on sparkling apple grape juice which, okay, wasn’t terrible. But I’m not gonna lie…I reeeeeeally wanted some of that champagne.
A little bit after 3pm, it was time for dinner!
And I’ve always wondered…what time do all of you usually sit down for Thanksgiving dinner? We’ve always eaten early – usually between 3-4pm – so that’s the norm for me for holidays. But is that what many other families do, too? I’m curious!
As usual, dinner was amazing, and I loaded up on a little bit of everything.
And just like last year, Lucas basically ate nothing except for applesauce. This kid.
My people <3
Mom and dad, who put together one heck of a meal!
And my hilarious cousin Bobby, Carissa, and my brother Daniel…who is sporting one heck of a bushy beard at the moment.
After dinner, we all hung out for a bit and had some quiet time (since Lucas didn’t nap). I certainly could have taken a nap, but that wasn’t happening with this guy crawling all over me with his cars.
And a little while later, it was time for dessert! Totally non-traditional this year, too. No apple pie, no pumpkin pie…just an absolutely delicious raspberry swirl cheesecake (my mom ordered it the night we went to the cheesecake sampling party).
And then it was over! We hung out for a little while longer, and Jay went to drop off a plate for his mom, who stayed with my father-in-law for the day. We came home, put Lucas to bed, watched some TV, and then headed to bed ourselves shortly after that.
All in all, it was a really great Thanksgiving. Crazy to think that next year, there will be one more at the table/highchair.
How was your Thanksgiving? Any funny or exciting stories? What was your favorite part of the meal??
I’d have to say my favorite part of the meal this year was the mashed potatoes. They were super delicious this year!
Shel@PeachyPalate says
That is cheesecake perfection right there! My nephew was the same until he hit 3 and now I’ll try most things! LOVES broccoli and raw carrots and cherry tomatoes! So much distraction and excitement at Thanksgiving too…at least he ate the applesauce!
Britt@MyOwnBalance says
Happy Thanksgiving! We usually have Thanksgiving lunch and eat around 1pm! This year though we ate at 6pm, which was a total change up.
Julie VerHage says
And I thought my family was the only one that eats around 1pm! Glad there are at least a few of us out there ;)
Becky @ Olives n Wine says
We typically eat Thanksgiving dinner between 2-3, so not too far off from you. That cheesecake looks amazing – I went for a totally new dessert this year too, Coconut Nutella Brownies. They were SO good! I hope you’re feeling better after some rest over the long weekend.
Linz @ Itz Linz says
We go to my parents at 5:15 then eat at probably 6:30. We literally eat a whole meal out of just appetizers!
Brynn says
We also eat around 3 pm for holiday dinners. My mother in law says she likes to eat earlier so she can have a leftover snack at 8pm, haha! I didn’t get a nap either, but that would have been nice!
Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie says
Looking at all the Thanksgiving food makes me want to relive it all over again! We had three Thanksgiving meals which sounds terrible, but really wasn’t too bad. I just had to pace myself like it was a marathon ; )
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
I always used to LOVE playing with my mom’s old toys (especially her Barbies) more than my own. I think it was just because they only came out every once and awhile and so they always seemed more special.
Torry @ A World Without Wheat says
We usually eat Thanksgiving around 3 or 4 too! That leaves enough time to take a nap and then get up and eat turkey sandwiches :-)
My favorite thing this year to eat was actually this dish I made – cornbread stuffing. I just finished off the leftovers last night!
Traci says
We do Thanksgiving early, too! At my fiance’s side of the family, we get there at 11 and eat appetizers and then probably start the turkey and sides around 1 or 2pm. His family drives down from MA and back so we start early! On my side, we start around 3 or 4pm.
The cheesecake looks good! We have cheesecake on Thanksgiving every year (in addition to the usuals). My mom usually makes a pumpkin cheesecake (incredible) and I made a cranberry cheesecake this year.
Favorite foods this year? Stuffing! A mashed sweet potato dish with cinnamon and maple syrup. And dessert. ;)
Melissa says
That cheesecake looks great! My family ordered a pumpkin pie with maple whipped cream from a local bakery and it was the star of the meal!
Amelia@i_heart_kale says
Caroline was born on 11/26, so not only was it thanksgiving this year, but also her one year birthday! We had all th r fixings and cake! My favorite part of the meal was my mashed potatoes and gravy (new recipe and ridiculously velvety!!) But my favorite part of the day was watching her smash her cake. ?
Sara @ Oats & Rows says
Sounds like you guys had such a great Thanksgiving! My family eats around the same time too..around 3-4pm. It makes for such a slower meal, which I enjoy! No rush and more chill in my opinion :-)
Becca says
We usually eat around noon-1… then we play cards and hang out most of the day and have turkey sandwiches for supper! :) This year we ate EARLY at 11, because we had to go visit the grandparents who don’t travel! BUT it was actually nice, because we didn’t overeat bc we weren’t starving like when we would eat around 1!
Alyssa @ renaissancerunnergirl says
We usually eat around 3/4 – so I end up snacking both before and after the meal, this year beforehand on the roasted veggies I was making, and after on one of the pumpkin desserts (my own personal highlight besides the turkey which I love).
Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries says
Sounds like a perfect Thanksgiving full of relaxation, family, and delicious food – just the way I like it! My favorite part of the Thanksgiving meal … a little mashed potatoes, a little stuffing, a little turkey, and a little gravy all in one bite! ;) Dessert was pretty fabulous too – we had these pumpkin gingerbread bars.
Heather @ Life In Leggings says
Since we moved away from Florida, we don’t have the traditional dinner with family too often, but when we do, it’s always around lunch time. My favorite sides are always the stuffing and macaroni and cheese! Oh, and I can’t ever get enough pumpkin pie. Looks like you had a great weekend!
jordan @ dancing for donuts says
your thanksgiving looks perfect!! and that cheesecake…
we always eat at 4ish, too, mostly because we’re excited to dig into everything! my cousin made this incredible chocolate pudding pie, which isn’t exactly traditional thanksgiving food, but it was definitely the highlight of my meal!
Savana says
that cheesecake looks amazingly delicious! We usually eat around 3 as well! And then have dessert around 6 or 7 as “dinner”! Lol
haley @cupcakes and sunshine says
Such a fun Thanksgiving!! (And so many great leftovers) That cheesecake….
Auror@Fitness is Sweet says
My family usually does a 3pm Thanksgiving meal as well! I think my favorite part of the meal this year was either butternut squash soup or the cheese platter :)
Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me says
I’m so sorry your thanksgiving plans did not go as you hoped, but I hope you still enjoyed the holiday for what it was. That raspberry swirl cheesecake looks freaking amazing though!
Hilary says
That cheesecake looks amazing! I went a little untraditional this year for dessert too and had white Christmas ice cream from publix! It was yummy!
Julie says
We usually eat at noon! Then heat up leftovers for a late dinner. :)