Thanksgiving helpers

Here are my little helpers for Thankgiving 2013--washing fruit for the cranberry relish . . .

. . . whisking up the goods for our green bean casserole . . .

 . . . and below is Ramona on Thanksgiving day, forming the dough for potato rolls.

Forest was in charge of brining and roasting the turkey. Once the bird was in the oven, he caught a nap in front of a football game before our guests arrived. It's been a couple of years since he accomplished that feat (in reference to the nap, not the turkey).

Around 3:30pm we enjoyed quite the feast: Korean barbeque beef and sweet potato noodles (courtesy of Anabel's family), in addition to all of the American fare that came from our own kitchen. Dessert was apple pie and pumpkin cheesecake pie. I ate my fill with no remorse--the doctor had just told me I should pack on some more pounds before the baby is born, and here was my opportunity, right?

After the meal was over and our guests had left, my littlest helper was eager to tackle some dirty dishes (or play with dish soap and water, however you prefer to look at it).

The next day my bigger helper, Ramona, assisted in putting up the artificial Christmas tree, complete with lights, tinsel, and ornaments. She was thrilled to be involved with this task, and chattered so rapidly as she worked I'm not sure when she found a moment to breathe. The words "admire," "exquisite," and "fabuloso" were used frequently in her tireless talk, and I had to wonder if she was just a little bit excited for the upcoming Christmas holiday.

As tiring as it can be to have such tiny little helping hands around me, I am grateful to have them. Sometimes it seems like most chores would be easier (and less messy) to complete by myself, but it would be much lonelier (and way too efficient) without the little helpers at my side, wouldn't it?