Fowle Family Adventures: Zoo Mob Thanksgiving

Last Saturday was one of my favorite annual traditions--Zoo Mob Thanksgiving (ZMT). I love that it is a holiday created by friends and for friends--something all our own. It's a potluck the Saturday after Thanksgiving, and everyone brings a dish they're really good at making; most people bring the same thing every year.

Todd and I have been hosting ZMT since 2002 when we moved into the house; prior to that it would be at whoever was renting the house with the biggest kitchen. Every year we spend all day the Friday after Thanksgiving cleaning and setting up the house and Todd spends a good chunk of time prepping the meat to be smoked the next day. On the day of, Todd gets up bright and early to get the smoker going by 8am, while I wrap up last minute cleaning and get all of the tables and chairs set up. At noon we're open for business (aka lounging, drinking, snacking, watching football, chatting) and we aim to get dinner on the table around 6:00. Then we spend most of the day Sunday cleaning up.

It is a lot of work, but totally worth it, as it is the one day of the year that so many of us are able to gather. Since we're all grown-ups now, with real jobs and real responsibilities, every year those jobs and responsibilities keep at least one person from joining in the festivities. This year Andy and Allison had to miss ZMT, since they were on a family vacation and then Andy had a work commitment. Everyone was bummed that they couldn't make it, especially since this is the first ZMT that Andy has missed. It wasn't the same without them, but we still had fun. And as always the food was delicious, the company was fantastic, and there were lots of jokes and laughter. My only regret is that I didn't get a picture of the Zoo Mob kids together: Nathan, Natalie, George and Zalina were there representing the next generation. Another change now that we're grown-ups is that the party is a bit more mellow than it used to be. Instead of going into the wee hours of the morning, things are usually wrapped up by 10:00.

Just because it wraps up earlier than in years past, that doesn't mean that we don't partake in some indulgences! Last year Joey invented a drinking activity that looks like it will become an annual event--The Turkey Sandwich. It involves shotgunning a beer, doing a shot of Wild Turkey 101 and then drinking another beer. I have not tried this foolishness, but based on the facial expressions of those who did participate, I don't recommend it! :) I decided to stick to wine.

The Turkey Sandwiches lined up and ready to go.