Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Thanksgiving 2013

For the past few years, we have stayed in Pittsburgh for Thanksgiving. This year we went to spend the holiday in Arlington with my aunt, uncle, and cousins. I also invited my Swedish friend Hanna for her first American Thanksgiving and we played some Swedish folk duets for the crew. It was a fabulous time. From Monday-Wednesday I baked 3 pumpkin loaves, apple pie and pumpkin pie, 2 loaves of bread, squash and parsnip purée. I also made my mother's signature corn pudding and green beans once in Arlington. We also had oysters, champagne, turkey and stuffing, brussel sprouts, cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes. A very traditional Thanksgiving. Thank you so much for everything Elizabeth and fam. We had a blast. 





I threw in some blueberries to make it pretty.


Test pie success!



While I was baking, it was snowing and snowing. So we had to take a break to go play. 






pumpkin mess

Who doesn't like pumpkin pie? I don't get it. 




We drove through some snowstorms to get there and Antonia watched a movie and slept. Easy peasy 4.5 hours. 

Sharing some apples with Uncle Martin


The next morning we trekked off to the monuments to show Hanna the capital. 









Aw shucks, guys, that looks delicious. 

Shucking committee directed by the Swede













Though I didn't have any oysters, I took Uncle Martin's lead and had meself a half glass of champers.

Grumpy post-nap, spoiled rotten opted for bagels instead of Thanksgiving dinner. 






Post dinner concert. Is that a turkey in your belly? you may be wondering. 



Antonia's Julia obsession was the theme of this Thanksgiving. 





Games games! We also had a hoot with Cards against humanity. 




The only picture I managed to get of this urchin in her holiday finest. 



This was the night I was officially kicked out of the bed. I slept on the floor like a pregnant golden retriever on Antonia's mat.

Saying goodbye to Hanna.

At Barrel Oaks Winery for wine tasting, smore's and firepits! I am unfortunately too fat to drink wine in public without getting dirty looks so I sucked it up and stuck with Perrier. 







No one said anything when Antonia did some wine (Perrier) tasting. 


The road home. 

The road nap.

Newly arrived in Pittsburgh we jump started December with a holiday singalong at a friend's house. Fun fun!