Thanksgiving has been held at my house for the past 2 years, so I didn’t argue that hard when my mom offered to have it at her house this year. Actually, I didn’t argue at all. I think it was my idea. Both Ed’s parents and my parents live in our old hometown, as well as our brothers and their families. We ate and ate and then ate some more, and visited with family. I’m always in charge of the cheesecake and the rolls, and get death threats if I show up without either one.

My brother’s son, Dylan, and Alex are good buds and love it when they get to play together. Occasionally I can even catch them sharing some cousin-ly love.

Ed’s brother stopped by for a bit, which was nice since we don’t see him very often. They swear they’re related, but they don’t look anything alike to me (Ed is on the right). Funny how they wore nearly identical jackets for an impromptu photo!

My brother is a collector of all things with wheels. His latest acquisition is a mini gas-powered 4-wheeler. Originally intended for the younger boys, it turns out that the girls had just as much fun on them! Morgan rode the bigger ones that belong to Ed and my brother. I managed to shoot this from the back of Ed’s, just holding up the camera and shooting blind!

Dylan doesn’t have to be asked twice to ride with daddy. One of his signature sayings is “ridin in the mud.” I wish you could hear HIM say it! This is one of my favorite shots of the day.

Alex is such a good sport, and the only one who would be still long enough for me to play with backlighting!

Although I did get Ed and Morgan to play along too.

Helen, beautiful thing that she is, hates to have the camera pointed at her (at least mine!), but I made her take time out for this one, another fave from the day!

My men

I have to explain this next one. I had so much going on in my brain when I was packing that I forgot to pack Alex’s jacket. Yes, I’m a terrible mother. Luckily, my mom gets the “granma” of the year award and also doesn’t throw anything away. Like, ever. She pulled out this jacket, and it fit Alex perfectly. Turns out it was mine in the 1st grade. I bet it’s the only one still in existence from that year!

Jessie has a bit of a crooked grin in this one because she had a fat lip. The aforementioned “granma” told her not to worry about it, cuz she looks like “that sexy big-lipped actress.” Julia or Angelina? I didn’t ask.

This is Pebbles, who belongs to my brother. She is very cute. And very pregnant.

Yay! I caught another one of Helen!

This was Morgan’s idea, although I will be glad to take full credit for it.

Granma, Krampa, and all 5 grandkids (and yes, 4/5 of them are mine)!

Alex again. Seriously, the girls were riding ALL DAY.

I convinced my mom and dad to take a few before the light was gone. I know. I look like my dad, right? I inherited that Armenian nose. Lucky for me, he’s a good looking guy.

It was such a fun holiday! Next up: Christmas at my house.

Here’s to the holidays! Cheers!