Mmmm Thanksgiving.

Mmmm...It's that special time of year again when we get to eat pumpkin pie and cheesecake after a ridiculously huge and tasty meal with those we love. This Thanksgiving was wonderful and special, and I have much to be thankful for.

This year we spent Thanksgiving with Kevin's family. This meant a drive down to Austin. If you have ever wondered what a toddler might think of getting out of a car after driving for an entire day, let me describe it in one word... rapture.

On the way down to Austin, we stopped in Dallas and saw Amber for a few hours. Good times.

 Once in Austin, we spent lots of time with grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, and Granny. Avery spent most of the week wearing this Cinderella dress. Hooray for Grandma and her dress up clothes.

Everyone spent some time with the newest member of the family. Here is Claire with Grandpa and Uncle Eric and Nathan.

Then it was time to cook the meal, here Kevin is making his yummy cheesecake and later I got in on the act by making mashed potatoes and deviled eggs. YUM!

Amber came down from Dallas to join us for the meal.

Here she is participating in a required family tradition, the Thanksgiving jigsaw puzzle.

Another family tradition at the Dodd house is Chicken foot. Congrats to Kevin on pulling off a win (although I am a little afraid that this might mean we have also "won" the privilege of hosting the meal next year!) !!

Avery was a very caring sister and made sure Claire did not feel left out of the fun and games as here Avery shares some toys with Claire. I think Claire will be a bit more excited about that when she develops a little something called hand control.

But this year, the most popular place to play was on Grandpa's new trampoline. Everyone got in on the fun, even the adults. Avery loved every minute of it.

 During our time in Austin, we also got to spend some great time with the Benaglio side of the family. That alone is memorable and special, but when it comes with wood-fired homemade pizza and prime rib, there is just not a better way to end a meal-centered holiday.

 As I said, I have much to be thankful for this year. I am so very blessed by all my incredible family, my amazing husband and my precious children. May your holidays be merry...Bring on Christmas...