We have a wonderful Thanksgiving tradition! It makes me look forward to Thanksgiving every year, it might even be one of my favorite holidays! It has to do with the fact that we don't have to make any choices, we just get to be with everyone. So there are in-laws, moms, dads, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins and nieces and nephews all together from multiple families and somehow we all fit and we all get along. This year we had 15 adults, 5 kids, and 3 dogs all in Susan & Jim's house and driveway (in the motorhome) in McMinnville, OR.
A lot of people look at us like we are crazy when they find out that my parents and siblings, my in-laws, and Mandy's in-laws get excited for this time of the year. I think it is a unique situation that we have, but one in which I am very thankful!
Since we had a snow day on Wednesday we decided to head down a day earlier than planned. We figured we could hit the road before the holiday traffic, do our food shopping down there and get settled before the house was full of people and pets. The boys always make themselves right at home at Grandma and Papa Ferg's. They took to wrestling.
On Thanksgiving Lyala and Mandy were first to arrive! My how Lyala has changed. She is such a big girl now and her babyness is going by the wayside. Caden was instantly in love with her again and was telling her how cute she was and offering to teach her all about the toys. Blake was curious and hung with them too.
Us Seattleites were amazed at the lack of snow, so when Grandma and Papa G and Auntie Meagan and Uncle Joel showed up we went outside. There were some walks through the yard, some running and a lot of ring around the rosy (Blake's favorite right now!).
After a super yummy Thanksgiving feast (we always have WAY too much food) the ladies (and gentlemen) looked through the Black Friday ads to creat a plan of attack for the following morning. Another tradition we have is all the ladies (Shelly, Susan, Cheryl, Mandy, Morgan, Meagan and I) cramming into my mom's mini-van and hitting the road at around 4:00am to get the best deals on our early Christmas and electronic shopping.
It is so cute to watch the cousin's play all day! Love that photo of Addie, Morgan's daughter, and Blake just staring at each other!
Before bed we get some pie with Uncle Spike's special, homemade whipped cream. Blake and Caden got the honor of licking the beater blades and they were hooked. Caden ate a whole bowl, hold the pie and Blake kept screaming for everyone to let him eat theirs. I don't think Grandma Ferg got a bite!
After the ladies got back from shopping madness (and yes, we scored some deals!) on Friday morning it was time to get ready for the big game! As you can see this is a family that likes their Oregon Ducks! Friday always means LOTS of football for the men!
Meagan, Mandy, Morgan and I (yep, we all have M names) went to downtown McMinnville to do a little wine tasting and little final boutique shopping!
When we got back the boys locked themselves in the man room for some uninterrupted football and the kids played downstairs. Caden and I played brewopoly (his choice) and we put the babies in baskets until they weren't having any more of it.
Saturday was full of beer, cider and wine tasting and more time together!
Meagan, Meagan's boyfriend Justin (who joined us on Saturday morning for one night), Mandy, and I headed to a couple of local vinyards in McMinnville. We started at Youngberg Vinyard & Inn. It was a beautiful Bed & Breakfast that is run by a very warm, gregarious couple. We stayed there for a tasting of yummy pinot noir's and beautiful views. 
Then we headed to Yamhill Valley Vinyard just down the road. It was more in the Valley, but had a great wine tasting with a food pairing. We all bought a couple of bottles and headed back home (I am enjoying a glass while typing)!
My boys were SO happy to see me when we returned! The night concluded with the kiddo's heading to bed and the adults heading to the garage for GAME NIGHT! My favorite evening of Thanksgiving...because I always laugh so hard my face hurts. We play Catchphrase and Apples to Apples. This year the men beat the women, but we will take back our crown next year.
On Sunday we get up and go! Sad to say goodbye, but so thankful for good food, great memories and the amazing time spent with family! 
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