Thanksgiving - 2021 AND Years Past

Thanksgiving 2021 ... Ironically, we had a bigger crew for Thanksgiving dinner last year, right when Covid concerns were running really high. Clayton's family had just recovered from their Covid cases ... so we actually felt fairly safe gathering together as they hosted. This year, Clay and Ana with with in-laws, so Olivia joined us as we had a small Blackham family dinner. 

We had the married kids ... and three vegetarians, so in addition to regular turkey (which Grayson brined, then stuck in the sous vide, then browned) we had some Tofurky. Callahan gave it a thumbs up. Salad, stuffing, mashed potatoes and rolls. Lots of drinks ... I actually didn't get the turkey cookies made in time for Thanksgiving (I think we had some "pie in a pan" Cool Whip dessert) but made them the day after. 

... I realized I hadn't done a Thanksgiving post last year, or the year before, or the year before that (I had made a post about 2016 when Grayson prepared quite the feast and 2014, when Clay&Courtney hosted). So here's a peek at some of the past Thanksgivings ...

Last Year ...

Courtney and Clay were hosting in their new house (next door to their old one). Gray was on  turkey (some in the Sous Vide, some smoked) and Landon made the rolls.  I made  stuffing, jello cubes and my "pie in a pan" cool whip dessert. Dinner was yummy. We ate, then the kids went downstairs to play Jackbox while the adults talked. Some financial stuff with Olivia.  Milo the dog is HUGE, and was trying to eat everything, and did some tricks which made everyone laugh. Dessert, then home.

... and the year before that was at our house, small crew. 

First Thanksgiving without Maga.

The day before Thanksgiving there were some blizzard conditions. Landon and Sol had just flown in from Mexico (and had a scare at the airport when Sol's paperwork was taken for additional questioning). Keaton stocked up at Nike (employee 50% discount) and Cal and Kate's hamster died. Hubs had the turkey brining in a bucket on the front porch ... the mail lady wasn't quite sure what to make of that. 

We were ready for a calm Thanksgiving day. It was small, as Gray's family was taking turns with the in-laws and Cal&Kate were with her family. Sol had to work, so Landon came and grabbed the littles and they went to a movie while Gray and I prepped the meal. I got the rolls going, sticking them in Keaton's room with a small heater as the day was quite cold. Gray got the turkey on the smoker and prepped the potatoes. Sol ended up getting off work early and was able to join us, and Keaton had invited a couple of his friends to come as well. It was a very laid back Thanksgiving day. Landon, Sol and the two little went to another movie after dinner.  Keaton headed into his "Black Friday" shift at Nike ... but he didn't make it there without incident. It was NOT how we wanted our Thanksgiving day to go (Toyota Truck Totaled). The end of 2019 was rough ... and then came 2020. Oye!

... and 2018

Thanksgiving at Maga's house ... cute decor and disposable dishes. LOTS of food and a chocolate fountain.  Aunt Olivia was recovering from a bad tooth infection and could barely talk, eating was hard too. Landon brought a bunch of dice and we had a big 10-person game of Pirate after dinner (should I mention that I won?) Then it was movie time as most of the crew headed out to "Ralph Wrecks the Internet". 

2017.. we hosted (Clay&Courtney went with her side of the family)

Thanksgiving was on November 23 ... I remember my rolls didn't rise (it was cold!), the prime rib was done early and the turkey was taking longer than expected. Added Brazillian cheese rolls to the menu and could have used double (or triple) ovens. Sent home leftovers with family and still had plenty for us too. 

2016 was at our house, and Grayson went all out with a few turkeys done up in different ways. 2015 the whole Blackham clan went downtown to GrandAmerica for the buffet there for Thanksgiving. 2014 was hosted at Clay and Courtney's house. 2013 it was at Pammy's, 2012 it was at Clay and Courtney's and Gray deep fried a turkey. Probably at Pammy's every year before that ...