Lindgren Family Adventures: Sunday Dinner

Growing up in a small family far away from grandparents and cousins, i oftened wondered what it would be like to be a part of a big family. i got a glimpse of it when i would visit my grandparents in Louisiana...my mom was one of nine (yes, good Catholic fam!). Even my dad's side of the family (he is an only child) had their sunday traditions with extended family that always drew a large crowd. i was always fascinated by this tradition. a tradition that i didn't get to experience as a part of my everyday sunday. sundays at our house were filled with baseball in the summer and football in the winter.

Today, i am married to a man with 2 older brothers and a younger sister. all of which have significant others. there are three grandchildren...Josh, Giovanna and Noah.

I should have known what was coming the day that I met my father-in-law, Lee. He didn't say "Hello" or "Nice to meet you", but "On Thanksgiving, you are at our house. No questions." A little taken aback, I simply nodded and hoped my face didn't give anything away.

Now that I am a Lindgren, Thanksgiving is non-negotiable. It is always a fun day, especially now that my sister in law, Christy and I have taken over the kitchen duties...we both love to cook and our mother-in-law hates to cook, so it works out well. At first we tried to tweak the menu a bit, but were scolded when we didn't produce mashed potatoes last year. We learned. Stick to the basics.

Loving this tradition of having the entire family together to share an afternoon and a meal, Paul and I started talking about having everyone over for Sunday Dinner. So, towards the end of the renovation, we had everyone over for an informal lunch. It was nothing fancy since the back of the house was still under construction and we were crammed into the front of the house...i think it we served sandwiches and chips. But it was nice. Just to get everyone together and hang out for a few hours.

Once the house was finished, we formalized the event and about every two weeks we get together for lunch. The boys (and Giovanna) play the Wii while the women prepare lunch. It's incredibly old fashioned, I know. But I love it. We don't quite have a table that fits everyone...yet. My parents have even participated in the Lindgren craziness and usually join us. I love having my house filled with those that are most precious to me and I am so thankful for this new tradition we have created at 1514.