I don’t know about any of you but after amazing Three-Day-Thanksgiving-Holiday filled with: food, family, friends and laughter? I am simply exhausted! And here’s why…
Thursday started out like any other day. However, for the first time in years we were not hosting a ‘Traditional Family Thanksgiving’. We didn’t have to cook and we didn’t have to clean. Instead, we enjoyed a lovely meal at our local ‘Country Club’. And I have to admit; I was highly impressed with the extensive choices.
The restaurant was set up Buffet Style. They served everything from: fresh seasonal fruits, International and Domestic Cheeses, cold antipasto, pumpkin, zucchini and corn breads, artisan breads, and rolls. There was a Caesar salad, roasted vegetable salad, tortellini salad and traditional salads. They had a ‘Hand Carved Station’ serving up: walnut crusted pork loin, apple cider reduction roasted prime rib of beef with horseradish sauce, roasted turkey breast over stuffing, pan gravy herb crusted salmon in a Béarnaise sauce. For sides they had an assortment of autumn vegetables, green beans with shallot butter, fresh cranberry relish, Yukon gold mashed potatoes, and candied yams. The desert station was loaded with the traditional pumpkin, apple, and pecan pies. Along with “New York” Cheesecake with strawberry sauce, chocolate mousse with brandied cherries, and assorted layer cakes.
Seriously? It. Was. Awesome.
[Left to Right: Meleah (me), My Brother Adam and his son Mason, My Mother, My Father, My Uncle Rick, My Grandfather Poppa Sye. Our neighbors: Stuart and his wife Melanie, Jake and his father Ira. My Son, Justin.]
That evening, after dinner, we made the annual trek down to Wayside NJ. We went to visit with my parents’ best friends for more dessert and coffee. It was a blast. All of the kids played, all of the parents gossiped, and there was even a ‘dance-off competition’ held in the basement via: Just Dance for Wii. While I did not participate in said ‘dance-off competition’ because I was too busy stuffing my face with brownies, my brother did. And he won. Of course, I wouldn’t exactly call it a ‘Victory’ considering his rivals were the ages of 5, and 2.
On the drive home we couldn’t find any good music on the radio. And there was only one CD in the back seat of my parents’ car entitled: ‘The Best Of Broadway’. Needless to say, we sang on the top of our lungs, belting out our favorite show-tunes, to our hearts content. And, I finally perfected my Ethel Merman voice. However, I still have the song ‘There’s No Business Like Show Business’ stuck in my head.
By the time I got home I was completely overstuffed. But, before I passed out from a food-coma, I managed to edit and upload all of the photos.
Friday, my family woke up relatively early. We had a long day ahead of us. I was not exactly looking forward to a ‘Three Hour Car Ride’. But it had been at least a year since I’ve seen my brother Lee, his wife Maya, and their four children. And I missed them. So, we loaded up the car and traveled all the way out to ‘Nowhere Pennsylvania’.
Thankfully, I slept for most of the car ride and I arrived feeling quite refreshed. Which was a good thing. You certainly need A LOT of energy to keep up with four kids under the age of five! Honestly, I have no idea how in the world my sister-in-law Maya manages to keep the house and the kids under control. And she does it seemingly so effortlessly. As far as I’m concerned she deserves a medal. Because if I were her? Driving into oncoming traffic would probably seem very appealing.
[Left to right: My Niece Zaibryn, My Nephew Jackson, My Mother, holding My Niece Scarlet, (My Niece Sullivan not shown here) and, My Son Justin.]
We spent the day watching the kids play, while my father and brother under-took the monumental task of remodeling the kitchen. The cabinets were ripped down, walls were sanded and painted, and the house turned into full-blown-construction site. After several hours of intensive labor, my father cooked and served his famous Lemon Chicken. And of course, it was delicious.
The kids went to bed, things winded down, we said our goodbyes, and headed back to New Jersey. Only this time, on the car ride home, we did not sing any show-tunes. Instead, my mother, father, son and I, played the games ‘Eye Spy’ and ‘Twenty-Questions’.
By the time we got home my knees ached and my body hurt from being trapped inside the back seat of the car for so long. But I still edited and upload all of the photos before climbing into bed at 3am.
* ‘Family Day’ With ‘The Colonna Kids’ *
Saturday morning, my family and I got up, got dressed, and got ready for Thanksgiving, again. You see, My Uncle Rick was going to be hosting his very first ‘Holiday’. And Gramma Evelyn was supposed to be the ‘Guest Of Honor’. I was really looking forward to seeing her. I haven’t had the opportunity to spend any time with her since her stroke. And I really miss her.
No one makes me laugh quite like Gramma Ev.
Unfortunately, Gramma Evelyn was not feeling very well. Therefore, she was unable to leave the Nursing Home. Sadly, I did NOT get to see her. Which was quite disappointing. But, considering my Uncle Rick spent several days: cooking, chopping, cleaning, and preparing a Thanksgiving Feast? It was ‘Game On’.
Upon arrival we were greeted with big hugs and kisses. Much to my surprise, Uncle Rick’s house had also undergone some serious renovations. And it looks FANTASTIC. The house felt so warm and so inviting. Before we go any further, I have to tell you I’m giving my Uncle Rick ‘A Tip of the Pilgrim Hat’. Because he really out did himself this year. The table setting was beautiful, the food was unbelievably delicious, and the company was just perfect. Seriously.
We laughed, we cried, it was better than ‘CATS’.
[Left to right: My Brother Adam, My son Justin, My Aunt Irene, Family Friend Leah, Uncle Rick, Uncle Rich, My Father, My Mother, and My Brother’s Girlfriend Leah.]
I took my own car this time since we had to leave early. Justin had his own party to attend. I would like to take this moment to commend my son. Because after being ‘held hostage’ by ‘family obligations’ for three days in a row, he never once complained. He didn’t even give me so much as an *eye roll*. I was more than happy to reward his good behavior.
[Now if I could just get him to cut his hair?!!]
On the ride home, the two of us sang the musical styling from ‘The Artist [or symbol?] Formerly Known As ‘Prince’. And even though we got caught in the grips of the NJTPK ‘Holiday Traffic’ the drive back wasn’t that terrible.
As soon I walked in my front door, I raced upstairs, opened my computer and immediately edited and upload all of the photos.
* Thanksgiving [Part Two] Uncle Rick’s House *
I think I’ve had enough turkey and enough quality family time to last me until Christmas.
And that’s a wrap!
How was YOUR holiday weekend?
Honey, I’m so glad! It sounds like your holiday was just perfect! (And your son is so darling!) Lovely family. Shoot, and they cook too!
Thanks Linda! I am very blessed indeed!
xoxoxo
I think we need a recording of the singing in the car..:) and I love Grandma Evelyn she rocks..:)
That photo of you and your family at the country club is so beautiful. What a gorgeous family you have. And how fun to get to spend time with so many of them over the long weekend. You have a strong constitution, my friend. I was on toxic food overload after just one day of eating. Thanks for sharing your family with us.
Whew, I’m officially exhausted…and I was just reading! Sounds like a ton of fun though.
Gramma Ev really DOES rock.
Thanks Robert!
🙂
Maybe next time I’ll record us singing in the car!
Three Days of feasting was way too much for me.
Seriously. Im good for the next month!
And, thank you. It’s my pleasure sharing my family with you.
It was wonderful and exhausting!
Thanks Nik!
🙂
That sounds like a fantastically fun weekend! I laughed when I read about all of you singing in the car. That’s something we’ve taken to doing lately, only usually when Brad’s girlfriend, Heather is with us or when Kacey’s friend, Haley is with us. Seriously, we never sing together in the car or otherwise except when those girls are around.
Glad you enjoyed your family and holiday!
Isn’t singing in the car so much fun?
I mean I am completely tine deaf and I can’t hold a note to save my life –
but man, that was fun! And, it’s something I will remember forever.
Im was so happy to read you had such a great holiday too., Terri!
xoxoxo
Okay, I’m sitting here reading this post; smiling from ear to ear, reminded of how much WE Italians LOVE TO EAT, don’t we? Everything in an Italian family happens around a table full of food.
What a wonderful Thanksgiving you had!
And can I just tell you HOW MUCH I enjoyed seeing this Gramma Evelyn video again? I laughed my ass off! OMG…I love that woman!! She really should have her own talk show!
Oh, and tell your brother I said congratulations on winning the dance contest.
Even though….”I wouldn’t exactly call it a ‘Victory’ considering his rivals were the ages of 5, and 2.’
Bwhahahahahahahahaha! You are too funny, girl!
FAB post!
X
Thanks Ronnie!
I was so disappointed when I found out Gramma Ev wasn’t able to make it.
One of my favorite quotes in this video was
“Shave! Or get the hell off the TV!”
Ahahahhahahaha.
I miss her! Oh well. A least the rest of us had a great Three Days!
Italians know how to eat. That’s for sure!!
Oh, BTW, I thought of YOU when we were singing “One, Singular Sensation”…
🙂
Since I hosted Thanksgiving, I would have been extremely envious of you sitting around and being waited on at the country club. I am glad you had a great weekend. Mine was just really overscheduled.
What a gorgeous family! Lovely, lovely pictures and I can almost taste the food, your descriptions are mouthwateringly good! Glad you had such a spectacular holiday weekend, sweet thing. And you HAVE to post an audio of your “Ethyl Merman” voice 🙂
Nothing at all like this. I am in love with Evelyn!! she’s great. Oh I hope I am like her when I get even older. This is flipping fantastic too Meleah!! What a holiday you had…wowzer!! I bet you are tired though and we are glad to have you back!!:-)
you’re so lucky to have such a great family – now sleep, sleep – family can be sooo wonderful AND exhausting.
Ugh! Hosting is very difficult. We have 20 + coming here for Christmas.
My Ethel Merman might shatter glass!
Thanks Jackie.
I am pretty drained.
But it’s the good kind of tired.
And, it’s always nice to be back on the internet
Oh, and I also can’t wait to ‘grow up’ and be just like Gramma Ev!
🙂
Im going to sleep for the next 24 hours!
I LOVE GRAMMA EV I LOVE GRAMMA EV I LOVE GRAMMA EV I LOVE GRAMMA EV I LOVE GRAMMA EV I LOVE GRAMMA EV I LOVE GRAMMA EV I LOVE GRAMMA EV I LOVE GRAMMA EV I LOVE GRAMMA EV I LOVE GRAMMA EV I LOVE GRAMMA EV I LOVE GRAMMA EV I LOVE GRAMMA EV I LOVE GRAMMA EV I LOVE GRAMMA EV I LOVE GRAMMA EV I LOVE GRAMMA EV I LOVE GRAMMA EV I LOVE GRAMMA EV I LOVE GRAMMA EV I LOVE GRAMMA EV I LOVE GRAMMA EV I LOVE GRAMMA EV I LOVE GRAMMA EV I LOVE GRAMMA EV I LOVE GRAMMA EV I LOVE GRAMMA EV I LOVE GRAMMA EV I LOVE GRAMMA EV I LOVE GRAMMA EV I LOVE GRAMMA EV I LOVE GRAMMA EV I LOVE GRAMMA EV I LOVE GRAMMA EV I LOVE GRAMMA EV I LOVE GRAMMA EV I LOVE GRAMMA EV I LOVE GRAMMA EV I LOVE GRAMMA EV She totally TOTALLY ROCKS! I hope she is feeling better… I’m so sorry you didn’t get to see her. Did I mention I love Gramma Ev?!??!?!
Ahahahahahhahaha! Ahahhahahahahahaah!
Yes, she totally ROCKS like that!
Ahahhahahaha!
Wow. That is some freakin’ Thanksgiving extravaganza! It makes our sound pretty tame. We spent it with my daughter who also has three kids under five (boy-boy-girl) … and she did all the cooking. I ate way too much in one day, I’d probably have OD’d in your family! I love hearing you talk about your family … sorry about Gramma Evelyn.
Thanks Bud!
WOW your daughter has all those young kids AND cooked?
Amazing!
Thanks Bud!
WOW your daughter has all those young kids AND cooked?
Amazing!
Thanks Bud!
WOW your daughter has all those young kids AND cooked?
Amazing!
Thanks Bud!
WOW your daughter has all those young kids AND cooked?
Amazing!
Thanks Bud!
WOW your daughter has all those young kids AND cooked?
Amazing!
Wow. I’m just stuffed from reading all of this. Looks like it was an outstanding gathering/feast for your entire tribe. Too much food, too much travel, too much celebration. That’s what the holidays are all about!
With all of your videography skills, I was hoping to hear you belt out some Merman tunes. THAT could be YouTube gold. And I would leave those interactive video games (Just Dance) to the younger crowd. Too many adult-type people attempt to compete with their younger counterparts and the results are usually not pretty (especially if there has been any alcohol involved). My dancing skills would probably be catagorized as “spastic” or “ugly” or just plain “sad”.
Glad you had a great time over the holidays. And no dishes to clean up! Whoo-hoo!
I’m sorry your gramma Ev wasn’t feeling well enough to have your meal together – she is a riot and I was hoping for some new wisecracks from her. But I’m glad you included the video because I felt like I was there. I think having the meal out is a great idea for everyone! Nobody is stuck cooking or cleaning and then everyone can participate in some quality time together. You guys rock and I may have to try and push my hubby’s family to do something similar next year. 🙂
Yeah, I was NOT about to enter into that Dance/Off!
And, next time I promise to video record my Ethel Merman voice.
It was definitely Too much food, too much travel, and too much celebration.
But at least I didn’t have to wash ANY dishes!!
Although WE are HOTSING Christmas for 20 + people.
Now THAT will be interesting!
I highly recommend GOING OUT! That’s for sure.
Hopefully Gramma Ev will be able to attend Christmas.
I really want to Interview her again and get some new material!
Jeez, Meleah, I’m exhausted just reading this. Exhausted, full, and, oddly, very happy. It sounds like you had a wonderful time, and your family is beautiful. 🙂
Looks like you had a great holiday weekend! Loved the photos and you wrapped it up nicely! Hard to Believe that Christmas is just a month away! Cheers!
Thank you Ziva!
I’m actually looking forward to Christmas this year.
What a fantastic holiday weekend. One of the things I hate about my family being scattered from coast to coast is that there is never an opportunity for this kind of celebration. But thanks to you I can share vicariously.
My Thanksgiving was nice, with just me and Mrs. Rambler (and the pets, of course), but the food was fantastic and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
Oh Lee, I am thrilled to hear you enjoyed your Thanksgiving.
I am grateful to have you in my life.
You’re the best “iDaddy2.0” a girl could ever ask for!
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You had a THANKSGIVING WEEKEND!!!! Your family sounds delightful,well, I am sure they are delightful during the Holidays (LOL). Anyways, your son is too adorable and if your only problem is the long hair count your blessings!!!!
So true, Lucy!
So.Very.True.
xoxoxo
PS: Love, from half a JP!
Ahahahahaahahahahahahahahhahaaah!!
KIDDING!
I’m very happy you enjoyed Thanksgiving, but I did not need to have Ethel Merman’s image or her rendition of “There’s No Business Like Show Business” stuck in my head. I’ve loaded my potato cannon and will be shelling your house later tonight.
Out of curiousity, how does your family feel about being shared?
You have a humongous family! I probably do, too, but there’s no way all of us would sit down together, so how cool is it that you guys do. Thanks for the Grandma Ev dose — some new footage along with old classics! (Your son has grown SO much!) I LOVE the senior comments. hahahahahaha! Rock on.
Many, apologies.
But if it’s stuck in MY HEAD?
Ya’ll have to suffer with me!
Feel free to join us.
Bring Kerry & your teenage boy!
Oh! Thank you KellyPea!
Don;t worry, I’ll be sure to get some ‘New Grammm Ev’ on Christmas.
And…just wait till you see what happens when they ALL come HERE!
xoxoxo
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Wow, now that was a jam packed, car driving, lots of eating and dancing kinda holiday. Sounded wonderful and have to say it was like being a fly on the wall, being able to read your post with assorted pictures and even a vid :-). Have to say I just loved the blue curlers, lol. A very Happy Thanksgiving gobble gobble
Wow! I just couldn’t get enough of Gramma Ev’s take on everything! Seriously, she reminds me of a late aunt I had in Brooklyn.