Small Town Thanksgiving and Christmas

This is my brother Tyson. Last year his wife Calley was given the responsibility of bringing games for the kids to play after Thanksgiving. Being the clever girl that she is, she picked up a plastic beak and some feathers and designed a game where her husband would have to run from the kids who were trying to take his feathers.

This game is entertaining and hillarious. It's everyone's favorite because it's a great outlet for little energetic bodies.

We made the kids close their eyes while Tyson the turkey found a hiding spot.

After running Tyson ragged, he conceded and they plucked him clean. My brother claims he is going to train for next year's game.

My parent's neighbors thought something crazy was going on. My family has lived in that community for 23 years now! Now the neighbors know a little bit more about how crazy we really are.

I am such a small town girl. I love the sense of community that is felt at small town functions. Tonight was the tree lighting ceremony at our town square gazebo. Santa came. It was freezing outside, so our stay lasted 30 minutes-tops!

We're off to "the compound" this weekend for my Dad's family Christmas party. Like many families, ours has A TON of holiday traditions, so let me outline the next few that we will be enjoying this weekend.

*St. Nicholas' Day is Dec. 5th. He leaves goodies in good girls and boys' shoes.

*Christmas at the Compound is the big (about 60 people) party with my Aunts, Uncles, cousins, and their families. We will have four generations at the church ranch this weekend. Everyone sleeps in the lodge and we visit and play games all weekend long. Traditionally we exchange homemade gifts. Here's what our family is bringing. Shhh. It's a secret.

Merry Christmas.