Thanksgiving 2008--Silvio Style!

Words cannot describe how much fun we had this Thanksgiving. It was so nice to be able to stay at home and have the ENTIRE Silvio clan over for Turkey Day plus some! So many great memories were made. Our Thanksgiving extravaganza lasted from Wednesday to Saturday, so I have a good many pictures to share with you. I'll start with some group shots.

All the GRANDKIDS! I don't think we've all been together at once (and taken a picture) since our beach trip to Destin in 2006 (below--check out how we've changed!) As Paw Paw would say, he's got the most beautiful granddaughters and the most nappy headed grandsons in this world. We love you, Paw Paw!

The "kids" (of Maw and Paw). (Uncle Jeff, Aunt Rhonda, Uncle Max, Mrs. Judy, Mr. Denny, Uncle Steve, Aunt Becky). I bet you can guess which ones are "original" Silvios. Here's a hint: They are Italian. ;)

The fun started on Wednesday with a good ole' Mexican Fiesta! What family gathering would be complete without chips, salsa, queso, and good Mexican food? I don't think the Silvios had even heard of Mexican til I came around. Just kidding, but I know that my love of Mexican food still puzzles Paw Paw. He was quite worried when I was pregnant that Jackson was going to come out with heart burn and doing the "La Cuca Racha." ;) As far as we know, Jackson is OK.

Kyle cutting up chicken for our yummy Mexican Casserole (thanks Chris and Bethany!)

Aunt Becky and Kyle. Kayla and I are in the background making sure there's enough chicken in each pan...lol. "I think this one needs one more piece." I think a measuring cup would have solved all of our problems. Thanks, ladies, for teaching me so much in the kitchen this week! ;) I might even throw away my measuring cups.

To burn off calories from our Fiesta, we did a lot of "sticking it to the man" in the words of Mr. Schneebly (School of Rock) AKA playing Rock Band! Let me just tell you, we have some talented singers, guitar players, and drummers in this family. You should have heard Noah singing "Mississippi Queen." I think there were at least 2 people playing rock band at any given moment the entire time they were all at our house.

"In the words of AC/DC: We roll tonight... to the guitar bite... and for those about to rock... I salute you." -Mr. S

"No you're not hardcore! Unless you live hardcore! And the legend of the rent was way hardcore!" "Dude, is my face okay? I think you melted it off." -Mr. S.

"Yes! But, you can't just say it, man. You've gotta feel it in you're blood and guts! If you wanna rock, you gotta break the rules. You gotta get mad at the man!" -Mr. S. Is it just me or do these Silvio rockers look like they are "mad at the man?" I think they do!

Sweet Madeline and Morgan were so sweet to play with Jackson. He loved the girls. I wish they lived here to keep him for me all the time!

The boys loved playing with him, too. Jackson was in awe of the "big kids."

I think that's a Longhorn sign Jacob's throwing up. He's an LSU fan through and through, but I guess he was just feeling the Texas football spirit, I'm not sure. (Or maybe he gave up on LSU this year...)

Maw Maw and some of her youngest grandkids (Madeline, Morgan, Nick, Jacob, Noah, & great-grand baby Jackson. Maw Maw loves her babies!

Turkey Day!

Thanksgiving Lunch was scrumdidlyumptious complete with two Turkeys (the one Kayla and I prepared and one PawPaw brought from LA), a yummy LA ham, cranberry sauce (homemade and in the can--very important), two dressings (Maw Maw's and Kayla's grandfather's--both delicious), green beans, 2 sweet potato casseroles (one with marshmallows and one with crunch), fruit salad, spinach madeline, crescent rolls, Italian Cream Cake, Chocolate Pecan Pie, Pecan Pie, Apple Pie, and Funfetti Cake. AMAZING! And sinful. Here are some pics from Thanksgiving Day.

Keith really challenged my OCD tendencies when he spread the marshmallows like this and didn't line them up in perfect rows! The melted beautifully, I must say.

Paw Paw and Mrs. Judy working on cutting the meat. Kyle said, "Mmmm...I love meat."

Our crescent rolls out of the can were actually the most difficult item on the menu...haha...but we finally got them right. The first pic is Kayla and I naively smiling about the rolls thinking they were going to be easy. Haha. The second is Aunt Becky working on them! I think that was the 5th time they went back in the oven. Fun times.

My happy discovery: "I have a tea kettle!"

Kayla and I were so proud of our turkey! I was really more like Kayla's help, but she taught me a lot and I think I can do it now! As long as Aunt Becky is there to take out the "yucky stuff"! I won't tell you what Aunt Becky did with that Turkey late Wednesday night. It's our little secret, Aunt Becky. ;)

First Thanksgiving for the new family of 3.

Uncle Keith and Aunt Kayla are way fun.

Morgan and Kayla

Uncle Steve and Jacob reading.

The kids' table! Jacob said, "I wish Jackson could sit right there [at the kids' table]!"

When dinner was over and everything settled down, these boys decided a nap with Paw Paw was just what they needed...so sweet. I kind of wanted to curl up there, too. Looks very peaceful.
We tried taking the kids to the park late in the afternoon, but it started to rain after not much time playing. So...we came home and did circuit training! Haha. The stations were...elyptical machine, exercise bands, sit-ups, free weights, and the exercise ball. I think we did this for a solid 40 minutes! Morgan was a great DJ, and we actually got a good workout.

I had fun every two minutes yelling out "SWITCH!" =) Great workout, team Silvio! Next time we'll make the entire group join us!

Paw and Keith. Paw said he was gonna start charging us for these shots!

Morgan and Kevin. Poor Kevo was suffering from a hurt ankle, so he was on the couch a good bit. =(

When lunch is done, nap is done, and plenty of football has been watched, and maybe even a second round of lunch completed, it's time to break out the ADS! Don't get between the Silvios and their Ad shopping. I had never known about all this "Black Friday" stuff before I met Kyle. Mrs. Judy and Aunt Becky put in a full work day shopping! Here's Mr. Denny, Kyle, Keith, and Kevo perusing the ads trying to decide if there's anything worth going after. Mr. Denny ended up going after a TV, but the rest of the guys chose sleep.
On Friday, a group of us went to the park. We had a good time but only lasted about 30 mins. I did get some good pictures, though.

Well, that is the end of this very long post. I'm thankful for so many things, but I'm especially thankful that Kyle and I have two great families. Of course I missed my relatives, especially knowing they were all together on "The Hill", but it's so great that being with the Silvios is always so much fun! I love y'all so much and am so thankful you all came to our house for this Thanksgiving. It was a blast! Can't wait to see you all at Christmas!!!