I might be narcasistic :-) But I had a lovely Thanksgiving weekend, and I thought it would be fun to hear about other gorgeously fun and happy stories of hospitality.
We do the weekend at my parent's, and the whole extended family on my side in the US comes (and sometimes from the UK). It was amazing. My brother and the first cousins arrived Wed night. My household and my parents cleaned, cooked, and prepped - but laughed, gossiped, and ate - for the weekend prior. My SIL left for her mother's on Monday. We were over 30 to dinner, deep fried one of the turkeys, and everyone from age six to age eighty helped, played in the leaves, and enjoyed themselves. We eat late, and eat and drink long, followed by movies, games, and my husband teaching the little kids Blackjack :-) This year, one of my cousins, aged 23, asked that we return to our childhood custom of "what is everyone thankful for" - which after my uncle's toast, we did (while eating!).
One cousin brought his new girlfriend - we're intimidating, loud, and there are a lot of us - but she was amazing - she held up well, and the aunties (who are picky) actually loved her. One one cousin's father's side (he is related to us through his mother), we absorbed the kids - a series of events has left that side rather small, but they are wonderful people, and marriage or blood they are family, and we were blessed to have them with us for the weekend.
Friday my SIL came back. My cousins ran a massive grill out in the backyard for lunch.
The "kids" left - aged 12 to 35 - went bowling, then the remaining family - around 25 - visited my new house and I had the honor of serving my first family tea.
Friday night was "Indian night" - we had a first course of salads and samosas, then rice, pullau, lamb curry, salmon curry, bass curry, shrimp curry, daal, and veggie curry.
The "big kids" - aged 23 to 35 - much to the sadness of the 12 and 19 year olds :-) - went out bar hopping Friday night, we were out until 4, and despite at least one bad hangover, we had an amazing time. Plus I think one of my cousins and my cousin's cousin hit it off - they aren't related!! - and I really think they would be an awesome couple.
I hear the "biggest kids" as Dad refers to the 55 to 80 year old crowd - stayed up past midnight with one room watching movies and another singing and going through a bottle of 21 year old scotch.
Saturday we watched movies, went to the new Dulles Air and Space museum, and pigged out with a giant bacon and sausage-y breakfast my Mom and Dad made us (though Mom administered bloody Mary's and screwdrivers as well!), leftover lunch, and pizza dinner. Everyone left yesterday.
