Penguin Family Time

 We had one of the best Thanksgiving family gatherings yesterday with all of our penguins around the table.  

The food was delicious and plentiful. Our family is blessed with an Emperor that enjoys preparing meals from scratch. In some ways the meal was simpler than past years, substituting mashed potatoes for potatoes fit for a queen, Knorr spinach dip with crudités rather than pear arugula salad with blue cheese crumbles, and Spatchcock turkey over homemade stuffing, instead of brined turkey roasted. We all so appreciate Van's cooking talents which exceed our own efforts and are superior to most local fine dining venues.  Physically, it is more challenging for him, and he spent much more time seated on a kitchen stool while preparing, chopping, blending, and kneading due to struggles with balance, neuropathy, and stamina. We helped some, but the loving care he shares through his cooking these meals for us, endears us even more to him. Food is one of his love languages, and for better or worse he has a wife who cooks minimally.

It was enjoyable to watch Austin, Nathan, Kaylee, and Maddie interact with one another with humor and far less silliness, taunting, teasing, and drama than previous years.  We all conversed and shared on a deeper level than typical. Kaylee talked about her frustrations at work, Austin listened and responded compassionately. Nathan broadcasted his needs and wants, and Maddie responded with problem solving and planning, ensuring that I received a list for Christmas gifts.  Kaylee and Austin talked about the house and intentions when Van and I are someday gone.  We didn't criticize life choices instead empathized to the current situations of each one of us. We had interactions both individually and collectively. For the most part everyone chipped in on clean-up without resentment or hurt feelings. We are maturing as a family, "adulting", and it was so very welcoming.