The Best Kind of Chaos

What a week this has been. I celebrated my 73rd with a family dinner the Sunday before Halloween.  The kids went trick-or-treating with their friends on a rainy evening. On Friday, our son Pete arrived from Richmond, VA. The next day, Reagan and Hannah hosted their annual Friendsgiving dinner.  Eighty friends, neighbors, co-workers and others came, including a herd of kids who jumped in the backyard bounce house. Andy and I roasted a whole turkey, a turkey breast and made a big pan of sausage cornbread dressing, as well as gravy, cranberry relishes and miniature pumpkin cheesecakes. The hosts provided ham and a brisket (this is Texas) and guests brought a big assortment of side dishes, including scalloped potatoes, sweet potato casserole, desserts and even tamales! The guys watched football and everyone went home with very full tummies.

The next day, Pete spent time with his brother-in-law Reagan and we all went out for a casual dinner at The Lot, which features a bar, restaurant and a huge lighted playground, a set-up I had not seen until we moved to Texas. My son and I went to the movies (A Star is Born) and sadly, it was soon time to put him on a plane.

Then it was time for a another birthday dinner. This time for Booker, who turned 11. He requested breakfast for dinner so I made everyone's favorite buttermilk pancakes with scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon and fruit. The glow on his face was unmistakable as he opened gifts with help from Noah, who can't resist ripping off the paper. The two boys and Lena spent the rest of the time making as much noise as possible before we headed home, Andy to watch football, me to hole up in the bedroom with Toby to watch mid-term election coverage.

And so it goes. Next up is Thanksgiving and Christmas. More chaos will ensue, but we love it all.

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