Thanksgiving without Ryan

In five years of being at Chautauqua Ryan hasn't missed a Thanksgiving until this year.  We were all very sad about it but tried to be thankful that we had had so many Thanksgivings with him.  He had a really positive attitude and didn't grumble at all.  He even was able to go to Cracker Barrel that night where they served him a version of Thanksgiving dinner.

We on the other hand had Thanksgiving with some good friends.  The Clowards hosted and the Andersons and Christensens came.  It was quite a crew.  7 adults and 14 kids.  We made a menu and made assignments.  We were very ambitious because we had SO MUCH food.  We divided out the leftovers so we all ended up with at least another meal.  It was perfect.  Who doesn't want Thanksgiving leftovers?

Kids' table

First Thanksgiving

Adult table

 

I wanted a picture of her mowing down on the drumstick but she wouldn't go for it.

The dads were even good enough to get a little Thanksgiving football game going.  It was great! 

Facebook posts:

"Happy Thanksgiving! We have good friends who are taking care of us this year while Ryan is taking other people to see their families. He has such a good attitude about being gone today. I am so grateful for him, my cute little kids, my parents, in-laws, siblings, and friends. I miss all of you that I am not seeing this year. And lastly I am grateful for my Savior and that I know He lives. Have a great feast!"

"It's no fun to make fudge without my husband here trying to snitch. Miss you!"

It just wasn't the same with Ryan gone.  No football. No skittles and M&Ms. No cuddling while watching a movie and falling asleep. We surely missed him.