Okay, I'm a little late with my Thanksgiving journal, but here goes. (Pictures below) We met on November 15 for my siblings Thanksgiving celebration. Missing were my brother and his wife from Chicago, their daughter from Atlanta, a niece and her family from Las Vegas, a couple of nephews and their families from California, two nephews and their families from somewhere else in Kansas.
My sister-in-law, Edith, hosted our delicious dinner but we all brought food, as usual, to help out. None of us left hungry after feasting on turkey, locally-made German sausage, cheesy potatoes, sweet potato casserole, Edith's home-made rolls, corn, fresh fruit salad, relishes, and pumpkin pies. One traditional item we all take turns making is Graham Cracker Fluff or pudding. This is most often served as a dessert but we can't wait to have it as a dessert so it's included in the main meal. A triple recipe takes no less than one and a half hours to make the old-fashioned way (except we all cheat and use Cool Whip instead of whipped cream). I'm always afraid I'm going to under or over-cook the custard, but somehow it always comes together alright. There is never any left over! 
Every time we get together we catch up on the latest photos of far-away family. L-R: my sis-in-law, Edith, and my two sisters, Jean & Mary Jane.
My nephew and his bashful son, youngest of three boys.
The cousins set up a cafe in the spare room and served us another round of food (mostly consisting of uncooked red beans--which were recycled after each customer--and corn candy). Their service was quite unique as we picked up free change out of a jar on our way in.
Every time we get together we catch up on the latest photos of far-away family. L-R: my sis-in-law, Edith, and my two sisters, Jean & Mary Jane.My nephew and his bashful son, youngest of three boys.
I like this picture of our son, Mark. I got him laughing for a change instead of mugging for the camera.
Everyone is a little bit lazy after a large meal. L-R: Mark's wife, Tammy; our daughter Amy and husband Dean, and their two oldest, Derek & Alana.
All the girl second cousins. L-R: Hannah, Savannah, Rachel, Alana, and baby April. Hannah and Rachel are sisters. Savannah is their first cousin, and daughter of our nephew who died. They all three have entertained us with their beautiful singing. Alana & April are sisters. It was so great to see the "older" girls play with April.
I love this picture below of my niece, Nancy, and her husband, Corey. They pastor a country church and have the life of a typical pastor's family--sometimes rewarding, other times frustrating, and rather hectic, I think. She and Tim are sister and brother. Their daughters, Hannah & Rachel, with Corey on guitar, my sis Mary Jane on dobro, and myself on bass, sometimes play and sing together.
The cousins set up a cafe in the spare room and served us another round of food (mostly consisting of uncooked red beans--which were recycled after each customer--and corn candy). Their service was quite unique as we picked up free change out of a jar on our way in.
The restauranteurs. L-R: Rachel, Aidan, Alana, and Savannah.
Certainly, in our family, no holiday get-together would be complete without taking at least one picture of the resident pet(s). Here is Edith's spoiled and handsome youngster, Toby. He got along just fine with everyone, thank you. Being the boss he kept everyone in their proper place, but was nice and friendly about it.
On Thanksgiving Day, my sis, Mary Jane (who lost her husband to Alzheimer's last September) came to Newton and went with us to the community Thanksgiving dinner. They serve well over 500 every year. The typical Thanksgiving food was delicious, and the line wasn't too long."Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations." Psalm 100:4, 5
We were playing outside on a mild fall day when we discovered one of the many wooly caterpillars that were traveling sidewalks, streets & backyards. 
Derek was looking over some words that Alana had printed, and a couple days later he was asking Mommy to spell out words for him so he could write them too. He knows the alphabet and does a pretty good job.
Alana's last Fall soccer game. Here she is with her foot on the ball. She enjoys it and is looking forward to Spring when she can resume soccer practice and games.
I had just plugged in this friendly jack-o-lantern and was wondering whether the cats would like it. Koko was the first to pose.
Fall is so glorious, but it's been gloomy more days than not. But the temperatures have been unseasonably warm, although the wind about blows us away. There's plenty to do in the house since I've started my decluttering project for real!
As long as there have been cameras, there will be those who ham it up.