Thankful Allen Style- Thanksgiving 2011

We have been so busy the last couple of weeks, it seems crazy to say we slowed down yesterday to get ready for a double-digit Thanksgiving dinner today.  As traditions change for the Allen family, the new gathering place for turkey dinner is our house.  We look forward to having the people we love fill our house.  We don't mind the cleaning, cooking, moving of tables and chairs, late night preparations and early morning cooking.  The noise of multiple generations talking, singing, loving, eating and playing together is a sound I treasure. I'll never get tired of the Allen brothers guitar playing and song singing.  Phone calls to and from family and friends that can't be here add to the joy of the day, and the drop-in family and friends who can come from noon to night- all is a blessing and I am thankful. 


Ideas for Santa

Shayne and Brian

Allen Brothers playing and singing (Elijah joined in)

Grandma Allen, Rex's mom- helping me cook

Isaiah and his Daddy

Elijah and me

Talking 'round the dinner table,
Grandma Allen, Wayne Jr, Brenda, Dale and Frankie

Frankie, Anna the Birthday Girl, and Olivia

Wanda and Brenda

Vicky and Wayne enjoying the music

Turkey is over-rated.  It's time together, traditions and the memory making that it's all about. 

What are your family traditions?  Leave me a comment and let me know how you celebrate the day.  I'd love to hear from you.

Happy Thanksgiving y'all!