As kids, we always went to Willmar for Thanksgiving. I think because my dad is a pastor, and Christmas is a work weekend for him, Thanksgiving was THE holiday that brought Bengtsons together each year. We would all go to Willmar and spend the weekend at my Grandparents' house. My cousins and I would play on the lime green shag carpet (Lincoln Logs and puzzles), watch Nick at Nite, play with all of my grandpa's exercise equipment he had gathered in the basement, and eat the best mashed potatoes, buns, and rye bread you could imagine (yes, turkey as well- but my Grandma's staples were apparently in the carbs department). Then, that night the cousins would decorate Grandma and Grandpa's Christmas tree and go to a movie. We would look through the JCPenny catalog at the toys, and start thinking about Christmas. I am gathering pictures together to make a book for my Grandma's 95th birthday this year, so these memories are fresh in my mind.
This Thanksgiving was as wonderful as ever (although we missed Anne, Billy, Jean, Todd, Steve and Kirstin!). Most of our time was spent laughing, reminiscing, and ......EATING (oh yeah, and seeing Harry Potter:)! I asked Grandma for her Swedish Meatballs recipe, and she just looked at me and shrugged, and said, it's all up here (pointing to her head). I guess that's the sign of a true cook- you don't use a recipe anymore... Below are some pictures of the weekend.
Thanks for having us Grandma! It is hard to believe it has been almost 15 years since we did Thanksgiving in the big house (and with Grandpa). We all are so grateful for every memory...and bite!
Until next time,
Kirsten
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