Thanksgiving 2011

This Thanksgiving was a little layed back, but still rather enjoyable.  For Tot School we made Indian head dresses.  Here are Melia and Brinley playing with their head dresses on.  These two girls adore eachother.  They're pretty cute together.

 

We also made apple turkeys.  The kids LOVED making these.  I think this was their favorite Tot School activity so far. 

I found the idea on Pinterest but instead of gluing on googly eyes and a paper beak and wattle, decided to make the whole thing edible (except the toothpicks holding the marshmallows on).  If I were to do it again, I'd probably use peanut butter instead of melted marshmallows as the "glue."  The melted marshmallows just look kindof gross and resembles white glue too much...

At any rate, if you want to repeat this activity, here's what to do:

What you'll need:  toothpicks, white mini marshmallows, M&M's (or other small candy for eyes), Bugles, Sweedish Fish, apple, peanut butter (or melted marshmallows or other similarly sticky food for "glue"), food coloring of various colors, bowls & spoons (enough for each color you want to die the marshmallows),

1: Dye Marshmallows:  Put a handful of marshmallows in each bowl.  Put a couple drops of food coloring in a spoon and stir up the marshmallows.  This was the kids FAVORITE part!  Repeat for every color needed.  Set Aside to dry.  (Alternative:  Use colored mini marshmallows and eliminate the dying step.) 

2:  Stick 5-8 toothpicks in on top rear side of apple.  (Be sure your apple is well shaped so it will stand up on its own.)

3:  Once marshmallows are dry, stick them on the toothpicks.  You could do all the same color on each toothpick or just sporadic spacing of colors.

4: Put a dab of peanut butter on the back of two M&Ms and stick on for eyes.  

5: With a sharp knive, cut Bugles  to desired length for beak (I got Caramel Bugles for added strength) and stick on apple with a dab of peanut butter.

6:  With a dab of peanut butter, stick on the Sweedish Fish next to the beak as the wattle (be sure to stick the fish with the head down and backwards so the smooth side is out.)

 TADA, edible turkey decor!  :)

 Thanksgiving day was fun, but very small.  Only my little family plus my parents, Aunt Star, Brittney, Kim, James and Rachael were there.  Here's everybody (except me of course).  I love how everyone is smiling with their mouths closed because they're full of food!  :)  I don't remember EVER being able to fit everyone around the one table before for Thanksgiving dinner.  It was crazy!

 Melia loved her Thanksgiving feast!  (Check her out sporting her red "Hasmat suit"!)

Here's my plate.  I'm not much for peas or corn or beans or stuffing, so my meal was simple, but DELICIOUS!  Thanks Mom for doing such a fabulous job, and thanks to Star for getting the fabulous rolls!

 You've gotta take special notice of the yam balls.  These are a Thanksgiving STAPLE in my family and am always so sad when I go elsewhere for Thanksgiving because I miss the yam balls!  I know they don't look super appetizing but they're soooo good!    They're just mashed sweet potatoes rolled around a marshmallow (or two...hehe) then rolled in potato chips.  Sweet and salty goodness!  YUM!

I just had to include this silly picture of Melia in her Thanksgiving attire.  My mom saved this outfit for the last 24 years.  This lovely blue, velvety, velour get-up was mine when I was a little one.  Melia looked pretty stinkin cute in it, even if it is old-fashioned.  The collar is what does it for ya.  Otherwise it might be almost stylish considering all the people rocking out velour sweat suits these days!

Here's my mom and the kiddos on Thanksgiving. 

 My babies sure love their Grandma!