As a family, we have been trying our hand at several different options for family holiday traditions. You know those activities you remember doing every year and love to recall all the funnier moments. Well, we have come up with some vary unique ones and we'll see if they stick. For the week of Thanksgiving, the kids and I have been having daily school fun to help them understand the why for shoving our face full of food every third Thursday in November.
We found a few authentic sites on the internet and lots more silly songs and crafts. (see above photo of a Lightening McQueen inspired turkey and a Mia creation both crafted from their own hands, literally.) The night before Thanksgiving happened to be quite pleasant in regards to weather so we made up a little game to play outside. We each made some feathers to tape to our backs. Then ran around in a sort of squaty position gobbling like turkeys. The objective was to get as many feathers from the other "turkeys". Mia and Fernando both proved to be skilled turkey feather grabbers. I was less then proficient and Tiago was just plain confused and slightly scared at the behavior he was witnessing. 
Thanksgiving day was kicked off with our ward's turkey bowl. Fernando was geared up with reciever gloves and appropriate BYU attire. (I am actually shocked that he hasn't purchase an authentic helmet and pads because he likes to do things all the way.) Mia was a trooper and came even though she said many times "I don't like football, but it's ok." Tiago on the other hand was a little disappointed that they were not in need of his skills on the field. Every football was "Daddy's football" and he would tenderly hold each one. There were many failed attempts at multiple footballs in his arms. The funniest thing he would say is "Cougar football" then do the famous cougar roar.
Nap time afforded everyone with the necessary second wind to make it to the end destination. . .food. This year's meal came with some old fashion techniques. Since our microwave had dreams of Disney's Light Show, we are now microwave less. I had to melt butter on the stove several different times for various recipes and had to think ahead of time what needed defrosting. Now I know what the Pilgrims must have felt. . .well except for the inadequate housing, lack of food, and living in a strange land. We mixed a little of the "old fashion" techniques with new age ideas including a turkey tenderloin and Costco apple pie.
