The family spice.

This weekend, I put down the camera and ate. My mother-in-law's wonderful gourmet delicacies pleased the senses only to be followed up by more gluttony at my parent’s house. Thanksgiving is the undisputed king of holidays for a number of reasons. Very little needs to be transported other than our four bodies, a dog and a couple of pies (and some bicycles). In the past, we have had some pie transport disasters; one left on top of the roof, one dog paw perfectly set in the middle of the pies apple goodness. Perhaps the worst pie disaster is when you realize it’s been left at home in the fridge as you have finished the journey over the river and through the woods.  We make our journey to Essex and Guilford. Which comes first, alternates from year to year.  My favorite thing about the holiday is that upon entering either of our parent’s homes, we step back into our childhoods. The traditions haven’t changed. While spouses and children have been added to the mix, we all get to experience a small piece of the family pie that makes each brood unique.  The nuances that make a family, helps define who we are as we venture back into our own grown up world. While we have all weathered differently in life, I can still see us as the children we were so long ago. I love to come home to this as it refreshes my  memories of my childhood. My family is far from a perfect entity. While we all came from the same plant, our branches have grown in many different ways.  Like a pack of dogs, we have established who’s dominant over the past 50 years. This weekend, we were all on our best behavior. No dumb fights rekindled from where we left off at the last holiday.  Rather we had fun, watching 13 cousins take over the home. To make room, every bed and couch were occupied. Five slept in my mom’s walk in closet with my massive dog draped over them. As the food stores dwindled over the weekend, the crowd became less and less. My four brothers and their counterparts left full bellied as did I, thankful to the pillars of our life, our parents. With each exit, their vibrant personalities took leave until next time. One brother made his last trip out to the car with his arms loaded with what is pictured above. Yes, what a unique family we have. Our interests run the gamut.   We take our crazy ideas out into the world and add  own flavor to the pot.  I hope you all are thankful for what your family has to offer.  Each is a spice like no other.