We proved all the naysayers wrong — we pulled off Thanksgiving dinner for 19 people (including us) with nary a hitch, unless you count an extra pan of veggies and one of stuffing a hitch (in a relatively small three bedroom townhouse).

Steven’s mom and Vitor arrived Monday, and the rest of the clan trickled in throughout the week. Wednesday night, about 10 of us enjoy a delicious Turkish meal at Cazbar, which officially kicked off the festivities (and is now my favorite Middle Eastern restaurant east of Chicago)

I’m going to assume a good time was had by all, because if it wasn’t, no one was going to tell me and that’s fine. No really, it was great being surrounded by Steven’s family — including honorary family members Vitor, Tracy and Nate.

We had rented a couple of tables and a bunch of chairs and maneuvered furniture a bit to make it all work. Steven doesn’t leave much to chance, so we had measured and measured again to make sure everyone would have a place at the table, knowing that, of course, some people would sit on the couch since it was less squishy. We even had a table set up downstairs by the TV in case anyone wanted to partake in the traditional Thanksgiving activity of football. Oddly, everyone wanted to be together (and yet, not surprisingly, I spent every night from 2-4 a.m. thinking about all the things might go wrong — even if they had virtually no chance of happening — I mean how likely would it be that we would forget to warm the gravy or put out the brisket?) (Not surprisingly, I slept just fine).

It was a bit brisk, but Vitor got the fire pit working and a contingent hung out outside on the deck.

We hadn’t really thought through Friday or the fact that some people eat three meals (hmmm), but we had enough leftovers to make it all work throughout the weekend, especially since Josh and Liz hosted a pizza Shabbat (thanks!) dinner and Mario played short-order cook for breakfast, making delicious omelets for anyone who wanted one.

Special thanks to Judie, who made squash soup and pumpkin curry for us veggies and to everyone who contributed materially and socially (Super special thanks to Michael for fixing the aging Saab by taking half of it apart, replacing the amp and then putting the whole thing back together without finding any extra parts when he was done).

Next year, Tracy and Nate have promised to host in Myrtle Beach. LOL. No really, we’re not joking. Myrtle Beach is warm and at the beach (hence the name). Hey, if you want to be a part of the family, you have to do your part (and be able to take a good ribbing).

Steven and I were happy but exhausted what with also trying to throw the last of our belongings in our storage locker, clear out the place and make sure we were appropriately packed and ready for the drive to Florida (see birds above), where we spend a day or so (Hi Mom) before flying to Buenos Aires, where we are as I write this.

While we are glad we stayed for Thanksgiving, we are very happy to be in the summer weather. Stay tuned for our second set of adventures in Argentina.