Thanksgiving at the Stevens'

Today we spent the day with Nicole, my old college roommate and her family in Falmouth, Maine. (How fun is it that they live in Falmouth too? Only they actually pronounce it better as opposed to the PA way of pronouncing it "Foul-mouth" haha). It was so nice to spend it with a family--even if it wasn't our own.  It felt almost like being home. It's always fun to watch how other families interact with each other and discover their traditions for the holidays.  We arrived a little late (I know...surprise, surprise) but Nicole's dad, Alec had ramps set up for us and got us right up into the house.  We sat down to eat pretty much immediately.  We had turkey, stuffing, smashed red potatoes, brown rice, carrots (fresh from their garden!), green beans, pearl onions, and peas.  Lots of delicious food and they even made gluten free yummies!  Josh and I made some gluten free blueberry and cherry muffins.  We used the tiny oven in the hotel room and it was....interesting and rather challenging. And i broke a bottle of oil.  But the muffins turned out alright anyway....

Their pet bunny, Nuzzle. He was so cuddly!

Jasmine, the cocker spaniel. Such a sweet and soft puppy!

Who is also very well trained and does lots of fun tricks

And also likes to cuddle with her humans

We discovered one of the Stevens family traditions is a contest of sorts to see who has to pick the meat of the bones of whatever is left over.  Whoever is eating around the table has to participate--friend, family, guest or foe as Alec phrased it.  They play rock, paper, scissors over and over.  If you manage to get something that beats everyone else around the table and are the only one with that figure up, then you are out and safe from having to pick the chicken. It takes awhile to get the first person out, just with the sheer numbers.  After the first person gets out, it goes pretty quickly.  Nicole was the first one to be safe this year, which is nice since apparently she's been it for about five years running.  Nicole's younger sister, Karita was next.  Then her mom, then her dad and then it was just Josh, her youngest sister, Austin and myself left in the running.  Josh quickly got out which left Austin and I going head to head. And wouldn't you know it---I lost. So I picked the  turkey.  I'm still debating whether or not I should mention this game to my own mother so she doesn't get stuck doing the dirty work every year....perhaps.... :)

Pickin' the chicken (because it rhymes better than turkey)

Everyone helped clean up the dishes before sitting down to pie. And when I say pie, I mean pie. Chocolate mousse, lemon meringue, apple, strawberry rhubarb, pumpkin...i think i'm missing a few. But they rocked. Then we sat and chatted for a bit and played Taboo which was a lot of fun too.  We took a short break to skype with my family back in PA.  The internet connection was a little tricky so whatever they said didn't match their expressions until four seconds later which was rather entertaining.  It was good to see them all but made me miss them quite a bit. I'm definitely looking forward to Christmas when we get to go home for a few days and spend it with each of our families.

Nicole (right) and her youngest sister, Austin

We got hungry again later and they even made us a second meal--tacos! I love tacos! And that's when Nicole's older sister, Crystal came and she showed us her awesome dance moves.  She's taking a hip hop dance class and showed us her latest routine which really was pretty cool. And then we just spent time catching up on life and talking about things that matter--life, love, relationships, God, idols, the church....it was good stuff. Good for Josh and I to talk to people other than each other haha.

I combed over Josh's hair. He looked kinda preppy. Not that he liked it so much. Can you tell?

They are such a wonderful family...so proud of one another and eager to showcase each other. It was really special to see the four sisters love each other and be delighted friends as well as sisters. We felt so grateful to be a part of their family for a day enjoy their traditions. We're so lucky to have such wonderful friends!

The Stevens girls: Austin, Nicole, Karita and Crystal. Yes, I know it's not focused. Still learning that whole photography thing apparently.