It started simply enough.  Fifteen years ago Husband was just Boyfriend and Cody and Carter were not even solid thoughts.  It was October 2001 and the thought that I had no idea how to make a full on Thanksgiving dinner had lodged itself in my head and would not let go.  My parents were coming down from Washington to Arizona to visit us and so I suggested that we host a dinner, a Thanksgiving dinner as a practice.  And that was how Practice Thanksgiving was born – more or less.

Last weekend we hosted the 15th annual Practice Thanksgiving.  Here are some of the highlights.

A week before the festivities, the linens were washed and carefully folder under the critical eye of Sock Monkey.  I think he approved although I can never truly tell.

Cody has always enjoyed helping make the stuffing.  This year he did it almost completely by himself.  Carter, meanwhile busied himself with setting the table and creating name plates from strips of green construction paper.  He created the seating arrangement.  And, yes, the plates are upside down – two kittens – need I say more?

The turkey, deviled eggs, and my first attempt at pecan pie.  I love the small decorative corn cobs and was surprised the kittens did not like them as much as I did.

Princess Leia looking crafty.  She only managed to pull the tablecloth catawampus a time or two resulting in minimal damage.  In the living room, standing on the couch arm is Sasha, looking out the window in anticipation for the moment all the guests will arrive.

At the end of the night, after the guests left, there was an “after-party”.  We blasted INXS Kick album and busted out the disco ball.

It was a great night filled with family, friends, and great food.