Thanksgiving 2010

So we actually cooked Thanksgiving dinner for the first time in years at our place. It was kind of fun, especially since Joe did most of the cooking. We had some good friends over. We didn't actually eat the Thanksgiving dinner until 7 that night, which is by the far the latest we have ever eaten on Thanksgiving. Pro- the actual cooking isn't stressful since you have all day to make it. We just snacked on crackers, veggie tray, and this amazing spinach/artichoke dip all day. (Afton ate all the ranch dip herself unfortunately.) Con- You can't each as much pie since your stomach doesn't have as much time to settle, which is really sad since we had some amazing pies. I have to say 8 pies for 5 adults and 3 kids is a pretty dang good ratio!

Afton had a blast playing with Toby. All the food tasted amazing and came out well minus the sweet potato pie soup. Still not sure what happened there, but the turkey was the best I've ever had although it is my philosophy that you really can't screw up turkey. If its overcooked and dry, you just add more gravy and you're good to go. :0) Anyways, the turkey only took an hour and a half to cook (it was only a 10 lb-er,) but it was really juicy and tender, even the white meat. And Joe made this awesome stuffing with sausage. I don't even like stuffing, but this stuff was fantastic. The sweet potato pie tasted good as well, just soupy. We even made frog eye salad but completely forgot about it and left it in the fridge. Oops.

Overall it was a good thanksgiving. A little hard without Logan, but then I think most of the holidays will be. Anyways, I am thankful for all of my family and friends-they're great.

The New and Improved Afton Fashion

Thangiving Pie Plan 2010

Last year, I explained my 1PPP plan. This year, Thanksgiving is just going to be us and our friends the Cramers. It looks like we're going to exceed my ratio.

We're making an apple pie, pineapple pie, tollhouse pie, and a pumpkin cheesecake. The Cramers are making the pumpkin pie and a banana cream pie.

That's 6 pies (cheese cake is a custard pie, for 4 adults and Afton and her 'boyfriend' Toby. I am happy.

The rest of the menu consists of turkey that I'm making, stuffing (I'm making.. it's experimental.), gravy, frog eye salad, Mrs. Wood's sweet potato casserole, green beans, rolls, and mashed potatoes.

All Hallow's Eve, and Grandma!

It is most definitely fall here in Northern Virginia. Leaves are changing colors, nights (and days, now) are getting colder, and political campaigning has peaked.

That means it's time for: Halloween!
Yes, there's the picture everybody wants to see: Minnie Afton Scoresby. She even left the headband on for 2 more seconds after the picture.

Although the cuteness is undeniable, Afton didn't win any prizes at the ward party. Perhaps because she wouldn't leave the headband on.

For actual trick-or-treating, though, Afton wore her cat costume, because it got cold. (in the 40s) and that costume is much warmer.





















Mom brought the Minnie skirt when she came to visit, and brought crafting-ness inspiration for Tracy. Normally, I'm the creative one in the kitchen, but I can claim zero credit for this:















I can, and will, clam credit for this, though:


And a few more random pictures, just for fun: