Thank you, Lara! We have tons of leftovers ... wish we could send you some!

There was some confusion over who was coming apparently. In the end, there were only four adults, plus one of the babies. And an 18-lb Turkey!

My friend deep fries the turkey after injecting it with marinade. It was the best turkey I've ever eaten, and I mean EVER, in my entire life. Juicy as all heck, savory, and with deliciously crispy skin. And his wife makes the most awesome mashed yams (brown sugar half and half and butter). Add to that green bean casserole 2 kinds, mashed potatoes, and my friend's mom's famous stuffing, which I also used to make when I hosted Thanksgiving.

Pies... cherry, pumpkin, dutch apple crumble. I had a small slice of cherry and a bite of pumpkin. The apple I will eat today.