Palmabella's Passions

After our early morning Turkey Trot, we gave Federico the "Palma's hometown tour of Fresno". We went to my old neighborhood, where I grew up, and saw my schools, house, and "Christmas Tree Lane". We visited Fresno State and my Sorority house, then headed to the Wood's home to start grazing on Sarah's beautiful appetizers.

Everyone contributed to the huge dinner: Connie smoked a turkey and made sweet potatoes, green bean casserole and broccoli salad; Joy brought a ham and sodas, Chaudra made mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie, I made the stuffing, two kinds of cranberry sauce and two cheesecakes. Everyone brought lots of wine.

Sarah did an amazing job on the table. A week before Thanksgiving, she emailed everyone and asked us to write one thing we were thankful for about each person who would be there for Thanksgiving, and return them to her by email. She compiled the lists and printed up a beautiful card for each person's place setting. She also wrapped boxes of home made toffee for each person with fall leaves, berries and ribbon. We each read our lists to the table after dinner. It was a happy and tearful day of blessings.

Here's the whole gang:

Other highlights of the afternoon and evening included Cadi dressing up her cousins, Noah and Gabe in "dress-up princess" clothes.

Noah decided he needed a glass of wine like the adults (sparkling cider did the trick).

I enjoyed seeing Federico with my Godsons, Corey and Casey.

Federico enjoyed the late-night Texas Holdem game.

What a great day with much to be thankful for!