Στην υγειά μας! / Cheers!

STIN-eh YAH-mas (Cheers!)

A very happy Greek Thanksgiving

We've called Grandma and Dimitrios' Thanksgiving

Pre-Thanksgiving for many years.

And while it is Thanksgiving before Thanksgiving,

leaving out the fact that it is a traditional Greek meal,

is eliminating a super important element!

We haven't been to Grandma & D's for a few years -- we were at pre-thanksgiving in 2019 when Lizzie was an almost new member of our family,

but Chris was on his mission. Chris was last there in October 2014!

About eight wild turkeys greeted us when we pulled into the driveway, 

even fanning their feathers, but I wasn't fast enough to get a picture.

Dimitrios showing off just one of several outbuildings he built.

He's so artistic!

(We like to tease mom for her selfies and always taking pictures,

but who was I texting today when I realized I didn't take near enough pictures?)

Rachel, Jeremy, Cooper, Dylan and Reese arrived soon after us.

And pretty soon Dimitrios' kids, Shannon and her daughter Khloe arrived,

and Max & Dana and their two children.

Chris and Nick were excited to ride Lena. I took a turn as well.

And as it turns out, Reese and Dylan are practically experts. 

Please appreciate these pics from 2014!

And let's also appreciate bladder surgery that allows me to jump on the horse

with no issues whatsoever.

Gyros, Dolmadas, Spanakopita (all homemade), tomato & cucumber Greek Salad

with olive branches as table centerpieces 

Lots of action for the next few hours -- non-stop conversation, meal prep, story-sharing,

and children running through the house. Everything a holiday should be.

I loved what Chris said,

"It's so cool to spend time with Dimitrios' family and realize our family circle is bigger than I knew." 

Oikogeneia -- Yia Mas!