Thanksgiving

Our Thanksgiving was the same but different. We have always gone to Mammy and Pappy's house for dinner then back over to "the" Pound for the Bolling's gathering at Granny's (Jen's) house. This year we woke to an empty house for the first time. Sarah went to North Carolina to her in laws. We had a relaxed morning. We read our Bibles, I made cranberry sauce (yes, that is the only thing I made) and breakfast, talked to Sarah on the phone (thank goodness no crying this year) and we showered and got ready to meet Seth in Wise. 

We were supposed to meet him at 12:30 so we could be at Mammy's in Big Stone by one but when we called him to let him know we were on our way he hadn't showered yet because he had been talking to Boog on the phone. Boog just finished his basic training and it was the first time Seth had talked to him since he left. So, we waited a few more minutes but it wasn't a big deal. Mom called to check where we were and Tim told her we were at Lowes and would be there soon. So, finally Seth came about twenty minutes late. We got to Mammy's at 1:07. And they had already started! I thought it was quite bizarre given Mom had just called us. There was a small group this year, smaller than ever I would guess. Only Mammy, Pappy, the four sisters, Ray, Van, Gabe, Sara, and us three. Everyone pitched in (I hardly think making the cranberry sause qualifies as pitching in) so Mammy and Pappy didn't have to do anything. Gabe got up early Thursday morning to start the turkey and Paula made several things. Mom made the dressing and cushaw pies. Even with a smaller crowd we still had a feast. Turkey and gravy, cornbread dressing (gluten free for Paula), mashed potatoes, ham, sweet potatoes, shuckey beans, corn, broccoli cauliflower salad, deviled eggs, cranberry sauce, rolls, cushaw pies with whipped cream and pecan pie. There was enough room for everyone to eat at the dining room table or small table set up in the living room. Even Tim and Seth ate at the dining room table. I am guessing that was a first for both of them. We stayed and visited after the meal for awhile. I helped clean up in the kitchen a bit and then we left and came back to Pound by 4:30. 

As usual there was a big crowd at Jen's. A big loud crowd. ;) The difference between my family and Tim's is huge...the personalities, the topics discussed, and of course the noise level. ;) Erin had the sale papers spread out mapping out her Black Friday shopping. 

The younger generation had their faces stuck in their cell phones. ;) 

And the cousins played in the back bedroom. 

Sean, Dylan, Peggy and Gary had gone up to Flat Gap but came back and stayed longer. We had missed Shannon and Maddi. Josh, Cayden and Elijah had gone four wheeling. Seth went by and picked up Craig since Danny and Angie had gone to Texas to Boog's basic training graduation. We visited, heard new stories and old classics too and laughed. Laughter always abounds in the Bolling family! We stayed there for a lot longer than we had planned and didn't get home till about 9:30. It was a good Thanksgiving. Of course we missed Sarah and Dan but they will be here for Christmas this year.