Thanksgiving!

December 5, 2008 | Nurturing Family

My DIL Kristin Eller holding my new great niece, Kinley Eller

It’s hard to describe an Eller Thanksgiving. I grew up with mom, dad, and my brothers and sisters. Mom’s family lived in California. I had cousins and aunts and uncles. I just didn’t know them. My dad’s family lived in Arkansas. We made a yearly trip.

When I first met Richard’s family, we drove up outside a small rural school.

“I thought I was meeting your family,” I said.

“You are.”

We walked into the cafeteria and there was nearly 200 people. Ellers. Talkative, fun, sometimes loud, welcoming people. All who knew my name. I knew none of theirs.

Fast forward 29 years later. This IS my family. Some of the older Ellers, who were my age when I first met them, are now in Heaven. Eight of the original 11 brothers and sisters remain. They range from late 60’s to mid-80’s now. Most are in their 70’s. They have kids (our age) who have had kids who are now having kids. Sound complicated? It’s not. It’s just an amazing, rare family that is large and close-knit who really love hanging out. ♥

This Thanksgiving was no different. 115 Ellers arrived. It’s hard to describe the food. Some of these women came out of the womb knowing how to make a pie crust from scratch. This year it was a little different. Until now the older generation made the turkeys, hams, potatoes and rolls. We stepped up this year, which produced a lot of funny comments, like:

“Do you think the kids will be able to handle it?”

I don’t know about the other “kids”, but I’m 49 and a mother of three young adults. I think we can handle it!

They were also worried if there would be enough food. Check out a few of the tables. How do you think the “kids” did? (I’m showing only a portion of the food.)

These tables held the turkey, ham, pasta dishes, and veggies.

The "next generation" took over this year in the kitchen, preparing the turkey and ham.

My newphew Austin trying to sneak desert off of ONE OF THE TABLES of deserts early!

Another view of desert.

It was a fun day. 22 of Richard’s 32 first cousins were there. Seven of the 11 original Ellers were there: Darlene, Dutch, Dessie, Jimmy, Ronnie, Saundra, and Mildred. Foyce was the only one unable to come.

And then there was the rest of us. In-laws. Kids. Grandkids. Great-grandkids. A few guests came, like Darrin and his family. (Darrin lived with us for two years and is an amazing guy.)

My daughter, Leslie, My nephew Chad Eller and his wife, Riann, and my son Ryan. Cousins!

I know it’s rare, this Eller tradition. We’re fighting hard right now to keep it alive. The torch has been passed down and we are in turn igniting it in our kids. Because one day we’ll be the “older generation” and it will be their turn.