Thanksgiving turned out to be pretty wonderful. In fact, I noticed myself musing about next year's, with all the same people, and what everyone would bring, and what we would do (perhaps actually take a group picture?!)...when, really, it probably won't happen next year. Or at least it won't be the same group. Which is why I'm so grateful for this year's.
Our guest list started out rather small (which of course would have been fine!) but then happily grew. We're so lucky our good friends Henry and Mandy came, and got to bring along the lovely Miss Dot. My brother Sam flew in from Utah as a surprise guest. My sister and husband came despite terribly busy schedules.
At some point during Getting Ready for Everyone, I realized that we had the easiest group of people coming for dinner. It made me happy to know that if we absolutely ruined the turkey Griswolds'-style, everyone would just laugh it off and have more of the stuffing. We never worried if everyone would get along. We knew they would. And they did. Despite blending two families, plus friends, our apartment was filled with laughter and chatting for hours. So I'm truly thankful for that. What a blessing (as my parents would say) to have such easy-going, happy people in your life.
The Mister and I asked everyone to write down what they were thankful for on slips of paper which were then placed in a bowl. After dinner everyone picked one and we all went around the table reading each others. They were funny and sweet. My mother's said something about "Thank you for Firsts." And I agree.
But I still can't help but hope it was first of many.