Gathering to give THANKS

For the first time ever I hosted Thanksgiving at my home.  Mom relinquished the rights of it to me.   I know it was a hard thing to let go.  Mom has always enjoyed this gathering at her home.  It all turned out.  We actually really enjoyed it and hope to do it again.  Mom was able to leave the mess and return to her temple duties the next morning at 4:30 am.!  


We had so much fun coming up with a few of our own traditions "Aubrey" style.  Family home evening the Monday before we sat around the table and came up with "indian" names for the place markers.  The place markers as you can see were representations of the Mayflower that brought those pilgrams to our wonderful country.  Jess and Josh made the boats.  Something they remembered making in elementary.
This was one of the funnest nights we've had!  We couldn't stop laughing at the indian names we felt fit each person.  After laughing over our creations we took votes and solidified the name.  The one in the picture is Aunt Mary's place with her indian name of "Papoose on way".  She is expecting.





I love the holidays for this very reason! 


 We get to gather.  


I love hanging with the family.

Aunt Sarah and Uncle Dan were spending this holiday with her family but stopped in to visit.  Little Brooklyn and Brigham were passed around.  They are 3 weeks old.  Still so tiny!  

Cousin Lara holding Brigham.

 Cousin Amanda holding Brooklyn.  Amanda's indian name was "ring on finger".  She was so excited to show everyone her beautiful ring.  She is engaged to be married in April.

Mr. Aubrey busily carving the bird.  Isn't it beautiful?  What a feast we had!






We fit 16 at this table!  Comfortably.  
The table awaits with rolls to be devoured. 

Gathering our feast.

This is so funny.  Uncle Shawn and Uncle Scott sat down and just started in on the rolls.  I think they thought they were going to disappear!  They ate so many rolls they couldn't hardly eat another thing!
Though I believe they didn't care.  They had the best part.  Jess just told me he ate 9 rolls!  
The best dinner to indulge in!