With the newest home in the family, Cynthia volunteered to have Thanksgiving for everyone! It was a wonderful gathering. Everyone seemed to be able to make it including Clint, James and Andrew. As usual there was tons of great food (my personal favorite was the sweet potato casserole made by Jennifer).
The group photo to the left shows (on the left side of the table): Lillybelle, Jessica, Gidget, Destiny, David, Jennifer, Michael, George, Victoria & Michelle; (On the right side of the table): Gianna, Jordan, Andrew, Erica, Julian, Noah, Korey and Connie. Of course there were several other people inside the house that didn't make it into the group photo.
The photo on the right shows Victoria with her homemade margarita drink! (Yes, it was delicious!)

Drinks were already flowing smoothly, but if that wasn't enough, Cynthia organized a "mixed drink" contest to see who could make the best tasting cocktail. Above, Andrew, George and Michael are shown judging the contest. Honestly, it was very difficult since all of the drinks were great, all of them contained ample amounts of alcohol and all of them were very different. Let me just say that by the end of the judging, all 3 judges were feeling no pain and were the true winners of the contest!!!

(below)
Stella and Sophia fighting over who gets to drive the jeep
James and Clint
Jennifer serving jello shots

During the Thanksgiving holiday, Cynthia also took Michelle, Erica and Jordan aside and asked them to put together a puzzle which, when completed, requested that they share "maid of honor" duties for her upcoming wedding this next October. (see below) They all gladly accepted.

It was a great get together for eating, drinking, eating, playing cards, football and then, more eating. We had great conversation, laughs and had a chance to sing together to some oldies! There was enough food there to feed a small army. When we finally did break up for the evening, we all took home enough plates to hold us over the weekend. The only thing missing from a perfect family gathering was that my wife, Connie, could not be there. She was mentioned frequently. She hosted Thanksgiving every year for the family and usually was the life of the party. It was her favorite holiday of the year. So, I guess it was only appropriate that her first-born daughter had taken over the hosting for this event.

So, until next year, here's wishing everyone a
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!