Welcome, Winter

December 21 may still be a few weeks out, but the feeling of winter has certainly arrived in the east, with a snow preceding Thanksgiving and temperatures in the 30s and 40s as of late.

We had a treat this Thanksgiving when my in-laws came out for a visit. It really made the holiday special, and was so hard to say goodbye.

With Thanksgiving behind us, of course all the Christmas activities have begun. I took the kids and our dear friend Diana to the annual (though first for us) Norwegian Tree Lighting at Union Station. We didn't stay late enough to see the simulcast broadcast of YoYo Ma at the National Cathedral sadly, but the kids watched the tree lighting, we ate dinner at Shake Shack, and they filled their bellies with passed tins of cookies. Oh, and a Santa sighting too, so a good night by them!

We also made a stop at the US Botanical Garden for their annual train display. This year's theme was train station's throughout the states. I had my fingers crossed that they'd pick Fullerton for California, but LA's Union Station and the other Santa Fe Depot won out-San Diego. Kids were stoked though watching the variety of trains running through, and of course the most famous of all, Thomas.

The afternoon was only in the high 40s, so we ventured around the Capitol grounds for a bit making merriment.

And finally, this weekend we picked out our Christmas tree-a tiny tree for our tiny row house! Not often is your tree the same height as your 5-year-old. Henry and I also had some nice one-on-one time at the Smithsonian American Museum of Art for their ballet day. We made snowflakes, snowglobes, and while he didn't want to pose with any of the Washington Ballet's Nutcracker dancers, he did try a ballet lesson which was great to watch.

And of course we paid our respects to 41. May he rest in peace.

An Ina Garten Thanksgiving

Since we spent this Thanksgiving just the four of us, I was not going to let the day pass without an attempt at making a (mostly) traditional spread. I've actually looked forward to hosting Thanksgiving for years-my house has just always been too small. So, this will be the dress rehearsal of hopefully future years in a home that has a table built for more than two!

Naturally, when menu planning, I decided to follow the guidance of entertaining extraordinaire and my personal food hero, Ina Garten. She hasn't failed me with any recipes yet, and even though I'm "entertaining" someone who already enjoys my cooking and a picky three-year-old, I still want to experience the foods of the holiday in celebration of the day. I'm keeping it simple and will miss some favorite sides but I only packed so many dishes, pots, and pans, and well, we always have Christmas to add in any missing favorites (like this-mushroom leek bread pudding-make and thank me later.)

Thanksgiving 2016 Menu:

Herb Roasted Turkey Breast

I can't believe how simple this was and SO flavorful too. Leave it to Ina for simplicity and ultimate flavor.

Green Beans Gremolata

In my opinion, haricot verts are always fancier than your average green beans, and when they are tossed with the gremolata, tasty! (I did forget pine nuts though, so they could have been even better.)

(Truffled) Mashed Potatoes

Full disclosure-I couldn't source the truffle butter in time, otherwise these would have been authentic Truffled Mashed Potatoes.

Cranberry Sauce and Stuffing*

Not pictured above. Trader Joe's fresh cranberry sauce and stuffing-because I'm the only one who likes them and,  #convenient.

Black Beans*

Not pictured above. Because the male Haseltons requested them...I find this so strange for a Thanksgiving spread... But, in the words of Henry: "Mom, I don't like green beans, I like BLACK beans!" Ok, kid.

Ultimate Pumpkin Pie

As evident in the picture, there was some level of failure in the production of this pie. The crust was made a little big for the pan, and the filling made more than the pie could handle so the cup overrunneth when transporting to the oven. However, was my first pumpkin pie and taste was not compromised!

A good looking and tasting plate if I do say so myself.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving started early for us with a brunch on the Calabrese side at my grandparents' assisted living home on Sunday, November 20. I think we may have been one of the largest families there-all 19 of us--one grandma, four kids and 5 spouses, six cousins, and a senior center entertainer in Pilgrim gear. My brain was focused on my omelet so there is no picture sadly.

For the long weekend, Scott and I traveled to Blythe for a Haselton Thanksgiving with his dad's side of the family. His aunt and uncle very kindly hosted us and other members of the family for a few days while still managing to do a sit down dinner for 21. I'm guessing they are enjoying the peace now!



Bonfires and babies

The trip was very fun to see family and finally become acquainted with my second amendment rights.

Scott and Tim, Robert pulling the pigeons.

Audra had way better form.

And for my dad who will appreciate it-the first shot, atrocious form, nerves, and all:



The Haselton women did exceptionally-shooting pigeons, bottles, cardboard left and right. I shot one pigeon and felt good about finally getting comfortable with such a powerful weapon. Holding a shotgun certainly brings out one's inner badass.

We capped off the weekend with a wine and game night with Scott's coworkers and a Sunday night turkey roll. All in all a great Thanksgiving.

Big thanks to the Maltby's who hosted the holiday-we had a great time!