Thankful

Well another Thanksgiving has come and gone. This one was a doozy with 24 people, 3 dogs, 2 turkeys (one in the BBQ which didn't quite finish on time, one in the oven), and a milestone 60th birthday (the husband).
It started out foggy, followed by a bright autumn sun that we enjoyed for a few hours on the back porch. Then just before dinner, it dipped behind the trees bringing in the chilly air and forcing everyone inside.
There was champagne punch, twinkle lights in the trees, children squealing as they were being tickled, a quilt signing, candles flickering inside and out, football on the television in the den, and old Christmas movies in the living room. There was picture taking, dogs in the pool, wooden train tracks on the floor, and everyone hovering near the kitchen as the turkey was being carved.
Yes it was very noisy. And crazy and cozy and silly and filled to bursting with the love of a family I am so very lucky to be a part of.
The day after, there is always more cleaning up to be finished, naps to be taken, leftover pie to be eaten, and crochet to help bring me down from the whirlwind that surrounds this holiday.
I have moments when I'm thankful it only comes once a year. But I am always thankful that it comes every year.