Thanksgiving Times Two

Who woulda thunk that we'd move across the ocean and still have two Thanksgiving dinners for celebrating the holiday.  We are blessed indeed.  Or maybe it just goes to show that Americans will not compromise on eating the oh-so-delicious meal no matter where we are in the world.  Either way, it was nice to celebrate.

We began the festivities in Amsterdam on the actual Thanksgiving Day.  Our hosts, Andrea and Andy, along with the planner and preparer, Amanda, did an amazing job!  This is the group of expats that work for the same company as Todd.  It's always great fun to get together with this group of people who are in our same boat.

Apparently I didn't get the memo that this was a "normal" picture.

The group!

We were even able to watch the Lions/Packers game after dinner, which certainly helped in giving this feast an authentic feel.

Then on Saturday, the fun continued with Thanksgiving #2.  This event is a tradition of the North American Women's Club in Eindhoven.  Our kind hosts, Mindy and Hans, welcomed about 40 of us into their home for the meal (photo cred again to Bart Salters).

Hans, Mindy, Sam, Bart, Shabby, and Dave.

Todd getting animated.

After dinner, we were introduced to a traditional Dutch game, that reminds me a bit of shuffleboard.  The name is Sjoelen and it dates back to the 16th century. We all took our turns trying to get the highest score.  I didn't win.

Face off, Todd v. Dave.

Then Sam, in an attempt to show us how to sneak pieces back under the starting board line, got herself stuck.  After some light pulling, we did get her out and her arm and bracelet were unharmed.

All in all, it was lots of good food and even better company.  Although I will be happy to share Thanksgiving with my family again next year, it sure helps to have great people over here to celebrate with in the meantime!