Every year since we got engaged, Ray and I have hosted Thanksgiving for our family at our house.  This is year number seven, and over time our numbers have increased.  Last year our good friend Tonya announced that she wouldn't be making it home to Seattle for Thanksgiving, but in fact would also be hosting a pair of cousins who were attending schools on the East Coast.  As always, the more the merrier, so we invited them to join us.  This year, Tonya's two cousins turned into three cousins, plus we had a pair of Champlain students (who Ray works with at the EMC) who also had no home for turkey day.  The irony of Thanksgiving for us is that I don't eat turkey, and Ray is allergic to it.  So while he makes a wonderful meal, we have a ton of leftovers that we can't do anything with.  Tonya and her Hoffman cousins have become our dependable leftover handlers!

Unfortunately, the McCarthy side of the clan was unable to make it.  My brother and his girlfriend, Katie, hosted turkey day in their first (solo) apartment together, and my folks headed out there.  While we missed the four of them, we fully understood how long the trip was, and we know we'll see them for Christmas!

Thanksgiving is probably Ray's favorite holiday, and he spends days (and weeks) planning the menu and cooking.  And he creates quite the feast!  First, thing out of the oven this morning was a lovely apple pie.  It was so lovely, it didn't look real!  Fortunately, it turned out just as yummy as it looks! 

The only real rule on Thanksgiving is that no one is allowed in the kitchen but Ray (and very occassionally me, if something needs to be dished up and brought to the table).  Here is Ray threatening me with the sprayer to stay out of his kitchen!

The other Thanksigiving tradition in our house is football!  The Cowboys always play on Thanksgiving, so we plan dinner and dessert around kick off.  In another ironic twist, this year the Cowboys were playing the Seahawks!  Tonya and her Washingtonian cousins wore there team colors, and were great football company!  Fortunately, the 'Boys pulled out a victory, but here's a shot of Liz, Tonya and Christopher watching the game.

  (Thanks for the two pictures Tonya!)

And Andrew (Tonya's other cousin) sitting with Rafi and Dan, the Champlain students.

All-in-all it was a great day, the company was excellent and the food was even better!