Thanksgiving 2018

We had another wonderful Thanksgiving at Hartfield this year.  It’s been the family tradition now for about 15 years to spend Thanksgiving at Hartfield, and we’ve changed it up a little through the years, but the mainstays have been a traditional and delicious Thanksgiving meal, oysters, a golf game (for the guys) on Friday, and plenty of family time.  A few things have been added in the recent years - a turkey trot, a girls’ visit to Urbanna for pizza lunch (while the guys golf on Friday), a meal on Friday that rivals Thursday’s meal, and dogs - first there was Cayenne, then came along Maggie, now we’ve added Cleo.  So, the house is maxxing out with 13 people and 3 dogs, but somehow we all manage to still fit.

We’ve been fairly lucky in the recent years to have decent weather while we’re there.  Everyone can deal with some cold, but as long as it’s not raining, the girls love to be outside and down at the dock - catching minnows, fishing, and just making their own fun.  We’re so fortunate that all the girls get along so well - they always love time to spend with their cousins!  Thankfully, also, the three dogs get along great also!  They each have their roles that they play, and they have their own quirks, but they really do get along really well together.  They do so much playing and running and even some swimming this time of year.

 

This year, they Turkey Trot kicked it up a notch with the girls making personalized shirts.  They spent time on Wednesday evening making their shirts, and by Thursday morning, they were ready to go.  So, we had a couple turkeys and even a black panther this year!  :)

 

It was a brisk morning, but everyone (with exception of me - still was healing from tearing my calf muscle) took part in the 2 mile trot.

 

 

After the Turkey Trot, the boys got busy shucking the oysters, and Uncle Bo arrived.  We had a fabulous Thanksgiving meal complete with a smoked turkey, oysters, brisket, and all the sides and desserts we could want.  We ate our fill, watched some football, and took a walk, but basically spent the rest of the day relaxing.

 

The guys played golf on Friday, the girls went out for pizza and a little shopping in Urbanna, and then we finished off the day with another amazing meal on Friday.  In a season that celebrates being thankful or grateful, I can say that we truely have a lot to be thankful for.  We are all in good health, we have a great time as a family, we have all that we need and more, and we have peace and assurance to know that all the good things we have and enjoy come from God.  I hope we have many more years just like this!