Thanksgiving

Our lil family decided to celebrate Thanksgiving on Saturday this year for 2 reasons. #1, the kids were with their dad this year, #2 - Go Longhorns!! I had tickets to the Longhorns game down in Austin. (Awesome trip)

We headed out to my mom and Mike's house early in the morning (as early as we could make it, due to the unexpected tragedy, see below). An Italian Thanksgiving is an ALL DAY feast, not just a single meal, and every year by the time we actually sit down to consume the bird, I am STUFFED. This year had it's challenges, (mom, don't kill me for saying it). The turkey was being the stubbornest bird I've ever encountered. My mom had a new recipe for "Juicy Bird" and for some reason, the dang thing wouldn't cook! We had it in the oven for an additional 2 hours than recommended, and it still never got above 160 degrees. We ended up slicing it anyway, out of simple frustration and everything else (including my delicious gravy and green beans) were getting icy cold. Good news is; No salmonella or late night E.R. trips. SUCCESS!

My kids found their new best friend, Craig (Cousin Katie's Husband). I hope you're able to get out of bed today Craig!! And Gavin and Kasey say thanks for all the horsey rides and wrestling lessons.

Another first for the Jolley's; Gavin drove the mini-bike all by himself!! We only had one minor mishap, a phone-line box jumped right out in front of him. Minor groin injury, but again, No E.R. trips! WOO HOO!

After Papa Mike took Kasey for his ride (and almost ran ME down), Kasey ran into the house exclaiming "I've never felt so ALIVE!!". Hilarious.