McKenna's first Thanksgiving

With a new addition to our family this year, Kevin and I decided it's time to start creating some new traditions. One of them being trying our hand at hosting our first Thanksgiving. 

I was a bit anxious because I had never cooked multiple dishes at the same time for more than just Kevin and me. But when Kevin said he'd head up the meats- turkey and ham- it definitely took a little pressure off. 

I had begun shopping a couple of weeks in advance, and we began prepping a couple of days in advance so when the real day came it wasn't a chaotic madhouse. 

Kevin did a rum honey glaze that we perfected a couple of years ago on our Ham, and brined and smoked our turkey. It came out like heaven in your mouth. 

I made 3 dips for apps: Blue Cheese Herb Spread, Homemade Hummus, and Spinach Artichoke dip along with few block cheeses. 

For the rest of the meal I made 3-cheese Mac & Cheese, baked mashed potatoes, green beans with bacon bits, asparagus with bacon bits (asp is one of Kevin's faves so we HAD to have some for him), and sautéed carrots. Mom brought sweet potatoes, stuffing, and spinach casserole. 

I'd say our first spread turned out pretty impressive! 

(The greens are in the way back corner! lol). 

I spent a lot of time fine-tuning my time management in order to not overwhelm myself the day of. Even so, we told our family we'd start around 4 but dinner might not be ready at that time. Kevin and I did so well at planning that the last dish came off of the stove literally at 4PM.  We were lucky we didn't have to be cooking while our family arrived. 

McKenna tried almost everything (minus the Ham because of honey, and the stuffing because of walnuts). She loved it and thoroughly enjoyed sitting at the table eating with everyone. It was a blast. 

Grandpa, cousin Maddie, and McKenna 

We finished off dinner with Apple Pie, brownies, and ice cream. [Pie was from Publix, maybe next year I'll try my hand at homemade pie!]

Kevin took charge after dinner and started on dishes without any request... quite a man to be thankful for! After family left and baby went down we finished up all of the dishes! I often here one of the stresses of hosting is clean up. We just dove right in, got it done, and will wake up tomorrow to a clean home! I will say Kevin did most of the dishes though ;-).  

All in all, it was an incredible evening. Kevin and I both thoroughly enjoyed the process, to my surprise! I have so much I be thankful for. 

And now..... Time to prep for CHRISTMAS!!!