Thanksgiving with the Allens

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving this year with Brett, Erica, Paige, Buck and Bev. It was small in numbers but large in food and happiness. 

Erica was so on the ball, most of the food was started the day before so with out too much stress (or so it seamed to me) the Thanksgiving feast was ready in no time.
 

I got to make my mom's famous 'Frog Eye Salad' for the first time ever and was quite happy with it. That was the first time I have ever been invited into the Thanksgiving prep to make a dish. I am no stranger to stirring or mixing, but one dish start to finish...this was a first. Does that make me an official adult?

We had three pies including a homemade pumpkin pie thanks to Paige.  I believe it was her first pie attempt and it was amazing! So no matter how stuffed we were, we all had to try at least two of them. I really think Thanksgiving has the the best food ever.

After dinner and pie we played the 'Singing Bee' game. It is a game where it gives you part of a song and you have to sing the next line. If you get it right we high five. It was a lot of fun. 

Black Friday shopping. Wonderful. Need I say more? Okay, we left for Missoula a little before 5:00 in the AM and with snow and scared drivers (not us used-to-the-snow folk) we made it to the mall around 8:00.  Sales were still going and sleepy shoppers were gone, so it was relaxing and perfect. We didn't have to deal with the crazies and we all still made out like bandits.

Christmas shopping...check.

After hitting up the mall, Ross and TJ Maxx we headed downtown for MacKenzie River Pizza. Since it was just us girls (no men to yell for more meat) we went crazy and got the Veggie pizza. It was so, so delicious. 86% Cocoa on the other hand is not. We do not recommend it regardless of all those antioxidants.

While we were busy driving, eating and shopping Zach and Brett stayed home to chop down a tree and brave the intense Fairfield winds. They not only cut down the tree but raked the yard, moved the wood, did some laundry and still had time for a movie. I sure love these manly men of ours.  

Saturday was a good day for relaxing and recouping a little. I was able to read, shower and slowly get ready for the day after a delicious Swedish pancake breakfast.

Saturday night we got to spend time with some of our favorite people, Asher and Michelle. After a wonderful soup and chili dinner, Erica got busy and made baked donuts. As we visited we indulged in those cinnamon and butter covered delights. 

Sunday we sadly headed back to face the last 3 weeks of school. Thankfully we had clear roads and no deer crossing the roads, so we were able to make good time. Wish us luck on the last stretch of the semester! And good luck to everyone getting everything in order for the holidays!

Happy Holidays!