Thanksgiving Scotland Style

We had a first on Thursday. We spent Thanksgiving without our families, football, or the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. I'll admit, I woke up feeling a little grumpy that morning. Garrick wasn't a saint either, so we both decided that we would make the best of our day. And we did!

Haley and I woke up early, met for coffee at Zest and carried our food and prep items on the bus to Leuchars, Scotland, to the abode of Adam and Lindsay Harger. We spent the morning converting ounces to grams, plucking turkey feathers, and listening to fun tunes, namely "Moves Like Jagger." Pumpkin pie and mashed potatoes were my contributions, and I need to take a moment and give a shout out to Paula Deen's Pumpkin Pie recipe: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/pumpkin-pie-recipe/index.html. Cream cheese pumpkin goodness!

The boys arrived after a three-hour lecture, and of course came into the kitchen trying to sneak bites. I put a stop to this! Soon card games began, as this is a tradition for most people. Then, hunger struck...or should I say, slightly irritated moods. Again, we found out this is a tradition for most people! Finally 6:30 arrived. The bountiful table had everything an American stomach desires on Turkey Day:

Turkey

Gravy (Homemade form the turkey neck and other organs by the brave Lindsay Harger!)

Mashed Potatoes

Sweet Potatoes

Green Bean Casserole

Corn Bread Stuffing

Baked Apples

Rolls

Pumpkin Pie

Blueberry Cobbler

Apple Crisp

Whipped Cream

Vanilla Ice Cream

Mulled Wine

Coffee/Tea

Hungry?

After we couldn't fit another spoonful into our mouths, we incorporated many of our own Thanksgiving traditions. Garrick prayed before the meal. The Morehouse's read Psalm 100.

Then, we all shared what we are thankful for. Two common themes became readily apparent: First, gratitude for God's provision and guidance. And second, we all recognized that 3 months ago we were all strangers. And now, we were family. Originally from Washington, California, Indiana, Colorado, Minnesota, and North Carolina, we all sat at an oak table in Leuchars, Scotland, and shared a special holiday together.  

The rest of the evening was spent asking questions of the group such as, "Would you raise your children in the town you grew up in?" And, "What did your life look like at age 16?" By 11:00 PM we caught the bus back to St Andrews, as it was a school night. I called home and got passed around the Stevens' Thanksgiving and loved hearing the voices of my loved ones.

But guess what? On Friday night, we had Thanksgiving Round 2! With over half of the food left, we had the best meal of the year again. And what better way to conclude the evening than with Buddy the Elf? We laughed and laughed.  

Take a look at our beautiful friends, photo credit Haley Goranson:

I would love to hear about your most unique Thanksgiving! Please comment!