A Thanksgiving unlike any other

We've enjoyed putting on Thanksgiving the past 3 years. More than that, we have loved the family and friends with whom we spent the holiday. This year when we learned that we'd be on our own for Thanksgiving, Kyle had a great idea. His idea was to finally hit up a University of Texas football game. The third longest rivalry is between UT and Texas A&M. Tradition has them playing on Thanksgiving day and we've been saying for some time that we'd attend a game.

We drove the three hours to San Antonio where we stayed in a nice resort. Our Thanksgiving meal before the big game was very different, for two reasons. The first is that it was all purchased and made in the same day. That was lovely. I typically spend, at least, a week before Thanksgiving mulling over new ideas, planning, purchasing the food and then preparing any dishes that I can days before the actual feast. Secondly, while I did my hair, Kyle put the meal together. I quite enjoy preparing the traditional meal. Alternatively, I can't say enough about how much I enjoyed the tables being turned (even if it wasn't to the same degree).

The weather allowed us to swim the first day as it was in the mid 60's. It then changed drastically by dropping 30 degrees just before game time. Even Texas can get pretty cold with wind chill and humidity that bites. But we DID NOT sit. We stood the whole game. Mostly, because we couldn't have seen the game otherwise. The entire stadium was on their feet for the duration of the game. The kids were enthusiastic about the game and fared well despite the weather. Ty refused to rest his legs even when a view allowed him to watch on the jumbotron because he, "wanted to watch it live." Communicated through chattering teeth if I remember correctly. And if the above picture doesn't have "devoted fans" written all over it, then you should meet Reese. She practices her "hook 'em horns" religiously ever since that night in the stadium. Where, along with the rest of the Longhorn fans, she sang The Eyes of Texas Are Upon You, while waving her horns. It is daily that I find her sharpening her skills. And she couldn't be prouder. Needless to say, it was a memorable holiday for our family. One that we'll more than likely repeat.

Jaden with her staples: a cheese ball and root beer. The cheese ball is quite necessary for it to really feel like it's Thanksgiving. It was the only homemade dish, which is what allowed me to take my time doing this . . .

and this.

While Kyle did this.

And then it was time to put our game face on!