Thanksgiving Part II

I don't know why, but Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Most people say Christmas or Halloween, but for me its Thanksgiving. I think its partly because its my mom's favorite holiday and it wore off on me, but I just love having family and friends around, talking, laughing, and eating fantastic food without any other pretenses. Its just about being together and being thankful for what wonderful lives we have. Last year, was my first Thanksgiving away from home, and it was quite difficult for me. My roommate and I made a makeshift meal of chicken and au gratin potatoes on Wednesday night, and then we had gone to Utila for diving and had a pseudo Thanksgiving meal there.

This year however, I knew that I wanted to give my favorite holiday its dues. Realizing that most people travel over the Thanksgiving holiday, I had invited neighbors and friends to come over to our house the weekend after Thanksgiving weekend to celebrate. Even though Jesse and I had a Thanksgiving Japanese meal on Thanksgiving, I still wanted to celebrate the day traditionally.

Everyone I invited was excited, and they were all really happy that someone had come up with the idea. I went out and bought two turkey breasts (there is definitely not enough freezer space for a full bird) and told everyone it was potluck style- so bring your favorite Thanksgiving dish. Everyone brought such amazing food! We had brussel sprouts with bacon, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, real mashed potatoes, potatoes with crunchy onions, stuffing, homemade bread, carrot cake and apple pie. I'm probably forgetting something, but it was all amazing! It really made me happy to have friends over to celebrate everything that we are thankful for. For many of our neighbors, they have never been in our home, so it was a nice way to bring the apartment complex together. It finally feels like the holiday season has started and it helped me realize that holidays away from home don't necessarily have to be sad. Everyone that came over tonight brought with them a piece of their Thanksgiving tradition and it was a fantastic evening. I'm very thankful to have such supportive friends, without them I wouldn't have had this wonderful Thanksgiving meal.
Jesse, carving up the turkey breast.

The table with all the delicious yummies on it.

Ryan and Alex scooping up their food.

Dan and Katie watching soccer. I suppose it makes sense to watch futbol on Thanksgiving in Honduras!

Alex, Kim, Caitlin, and Jesse sitting at the table, enjoying dinner.

I felt like it was a great evening. Thanks everyone!