Cousins. You just can’t beat ’em. And coats are great, too. Just ask Ella, who quickly regretted her “I’m not cold” comment moments after leaving the house coatless. Though it wasn’t that cold (just wait for the Minnesota Christmas post…), our children are spoiled by our sunny LA weather.

And there’s no place like my sister’s house for a WARM Thanksgiving dinner with family (regardless of the weather), and this year we had a blast (again). We arrived late on a Saturday night and drove to my Dad’s house on Sunday for some mid-morning shenanigans:

Afterwards, we stopped by my aunt and uncle’s house for hugs–and lunch: some BBQ from a local spot that was delicious. Oh, Southern Food. In case you’re not trained, on the plate below, which is not mine, you’ll find Pears with mayo and cheese (which I always loved growing up), Cole slaw (which I did not), Mac & Cheese + French Fries (why not?), Brunswick Stew (that’s the corn thing) on top of a pile of pulled pork, and Ribs. Now that’s a plate you shouldn’t have often.

Then we headed back to Marietta to see the second installment of WICKED at the movie theater, which is exactly what we did last year (well, Part One). What are we going to watch NEXT year to top these?! Although, and I know this is controversial, I did not love the second installment as much as the first. Part One was filled with fun music, color and dancing. Part Two was dark, angsty, and not as fun. Yes, I’m in it for the fun. Like taking a picture with our Mom at the step and repeat at the theater:

On the following day, the cousins had a bake-off in the kitchen, as should happen any time cousins are together. They made some yummy lemon bars (sorry, I don’t have the recipe, but trust me) and got some quality kitchen time:

Speaking of “yummy”, we went to some of our favorite food spots for dinner that week, because one simply can’t get enough food during Thanksgiving break. We also got foot massages (decadent!) and got OUT of another Escape Room: Mansion Murder!

I must admit, the folks in our escape room under 23 were ringers, so tackling the hardest room wasn’t as tough as it might sound. After kicking that room’s butt, we took some silly photos in their lobby. See if you can figure out what’s happening here:

Not to worry. Everyone survived. We even survived some rain (an LA rarity) when we checked out a local Christmas Market, where the vendors seemed more bummed about the water falling from the sky than our kids did:

The Grand Finale was, of course, THANKSGIVING DAY! At my sister’s lovely home we hosted 22 people for a truly fabulous meal, to which everyone contributed. Though we don’t get home very often, this particular Holiday is one of my favorites to be with family–and not just because of the food, but also because of the food that my kids rarely get to taste. Like my mother’s famous, award-winning (not a joke) homemade biscuits, which were picture perfect:

I think her secret ingredient is love, but don’t tell her I know. We got to see LOTS of our family and also get to hang out with some of my niece’s cool college friends who didn’t go home for the holidays. Unfortunately, given our headcount, that meant that poor Zoe didn’t get to sit at the “Big Kids’ Table”… but she DID get to meet a brand new puppy my cousin brought, which Ella had trouble letting go of for even a second.

After lunch everyone hung around and talked, reconnecting on all we’ve experienced over the past year. There was card playing, football game watching (it is the South), and sitting around the table just to chat. Oh, and did I mention how fun Cousin Time was?

We are so lucky to have such an amazing family and to get time with them all to celebrate the many, many things for which we’re grateful. I hope we can keep this tradition up every year, because though we chose to move far, far away, we want our girls to remember the importance of FAMILY.

Happy Turkey Day, Turkeys! Gobble, Gobble, Life is Good.