This year, Bryan and I headed over to Georgia to celebrate Thanksgiving with the Irby side of his family. Translation, lots of family (about 40 adults, 10 kids), food, fun, and great times!
We were able to arrive on Wednesday at dinner time thanks to Bryan getting off early.
Thursday morning, Banks made himself right at home with all of the toys.
Ricky organized a "Turkey Trot" run/walk for the family and it was a great way to start the day of eating ahead!
Afterwards, we all got ready and headed over the Walhen's stunningly beautiful home next door for a Thanksgiving meal like no other.
Uncle Tom Irby made one of the 3 birds and it was super delicious.
Bryan and Laura Katherine
Brooke, Me, Banks, and Laura Katherine
Cousin Will Bradford fried a turkey. It was a huge hit, of course.
While the final touches were being done on the meal, we had a great time inside just hanging out and playing with the kids.
Kayse, Lisa, Gitti, and Christy.
Banks loved getting some snuggles from Aunt Brooke.
Lynlee and Jennifer Lynne
Susan was super smart to occupy the kids on the sofa with some songs, stories, and the ever so popular, iPhone.
Lily Grace and Parker
Ricky and Bryan
Ready to DIG IN!!!
Every year, after lunch (and sometimes a nap) we all head out front for some group pictures. This is always interesting since we are dealing with a huge group, kids, dogs, a camera timer, and a tripod. However, we always make it work.
The ENTIRE group
Banks and Luke (the 2 year olds) were sound asleep so they did not make the photo.
Here is the Frank and Gitti Irby family.
The Tom and Blanche Irby family
The Fred and Sara Jean (Irby) Burke family
Our most WONDERFUL host and hostess for the day, Spike and Cathy Walhen. They are the sweetest people and are so gracious to open their home to all of our family for such a terrific day of family fellowship.
The Walter Johnston family (minus one sweet Sir) and one brother Michael Johnston
That night after dinner, Banks and the kids enjoyed more play time on the riding toys and the adults had fun by the campfire chatting.
Friday, was Banks' birthday and we celebrated at lunch with the entire family at one of the local cabins at Burge Plantation.
We had a long and fun game of corn hole.
Sweet cousins on the swing enjoying the cupcakes.
The Irby first cousins
...and spouses.
Whew, what a fun few days and boy I am tired!
I love that Bryan has a big family on both the Irby and Johnston side. It is fun for me to experience that since I come from such a small family.
We could not have this fine tradition without the planning and tireless efforts of Bryan's Aunt Sara Jean and Uncle Fred Burke. They make it all possible and we are thankful to them for organizing this time of family fellowship.
I hope you all had a very Happy Thanksgiving!
