Thanksgiving 2014

 

Scott doesn't write family emails often, but when he does, they are always enjoyable. The invitation to Thanksgiving November of 2014 was no exception:

Family:

We have invited mom and dad to our home for Thanksgiving dinner. You and any of your families are also welcome to come. We aren't sure of the time yet but probably in the afternoon. Pilgrim, Indian or football attire is optional but welcome.

We regret that due to liability and health reasons, the previously contemplated "Turkey Bowl" will not take place this year.. However, we will provide a (totally optional) leaf raking activity prior to dinner for those who want to burn off some calories prior to or after feasting. We promise to have football playing on one TV with Pocahontas and Pocahontas 2, alternating on the other.

We understand you have other [less fun and attractive] relations that you have to keep happy and will certainly understand if you cannot attend. However, please let us know either way by November 19th. You can still show up on Thanksgiving but those who have not met the RSVP deadline may be eating frozen pizza.

Thankfully yours,

Scott and Amy

Shane's reply kept up the fun...

Dear Scott - We appreciate the offer, and after much deliberation, we would like to RSVP in the affirmative; at least until a better offer comes along. As it would be rude to come empty-handed, we will gladly bring three whiny children. We will also contribute to the caloric intake by bringing some dessert, namely two or three pies in any of the following varieties: Apple, Pumpkin, Peach-Blueberry, Cow, and Chart. A gluten-free dessert will also be provided, in the form of leftover Halloween Smarties ®. Best regards, Shane and family.

Shane and Alicia and their three kids DID attend, so I guess no better offers came along ;) Chris and Kim and the three youngest Westra kids also attended, so it was a pretty full Westra group gathering, and there were even photos taken to preserve the memory. Yeah! Mom wrote in an email afterward:

We had a delightful time at Scott and Amy's. Dinner was delicious! We all enjoyed visiting with family. The cousins had lots of fun together. Chris and Kim brought lots of bottles of Martinelli's sparkling cider--a Taylor tradition. Some of us went for a walk after dinner to try to make room for pie! Shane & Alicia made 4 different kinds of pie, plus a gluten-free chocolate cake, and some gingersnaps. We were too stuffed to do them justice, but will enjoy some leftovers today! Amy and clan had made homemade rolls and homemade cranberry sauce, plus all the other yummy foods! We appreciate their hosting the event--it is always a big undertaking! Shane & Alicia and kids headed off to Midway for an overnighter. That is their new Thanksgiving tradition. This is their 3rd year.

Chris wrote ...

Kim and I took Corin, Camden, and Cayson to Scott and Amy's house in Draper and were joined by Mom and Dad and Shane and Alicia and their family. We had a great meal and then just sat and visited, and the cousins had fun playing outside and all around the house. I got to wrestle with Calder - that boy laughs more than any kid I know.