Over the River and Through the Woods

I think it was the Martinez Bridge and the only woods were the big old trees in Grandma and Grandpa Packer's back yard in Menlo Park.  I loved to go to that house for Thanksgiving mainly because of cousins Shelly and Tammy, but all the aunts, uncles and cousins always made it a big party.  I remember tables going on forever in either direction through the big family room.  I liked the food that all the aunts made as Grandma's fridge never had anything edible in it.  

Some of my memories of Thanksgiving include:

*Playing cards with Aunt Katie and cousins--the one in French with the car signs?? 

*Grandpa's pencil trick and algebra problems that he paid us for learning and figuring out

*This one is weird and I don't know if they really existed but tall ceramic cats in Katie and Ann's bedroom (anyone remember those?)

*Dressing up in Kate and Ann's formals with Grandma's high heeled shoes (they always fit because she wore a size 4)

*Going for rides on the swing from the really tall tree in the backyard

*Seeing Grandma's teeth in a glass in her bathroom

*And my favorite--rides on the forklift up to the second story of the apartments behind the house.  One year grandma sent me to bed because I had the mumps and she wouldn't let me get up and play with everyone.  I didn't feel that sick.  I was very upset about everyone having fun but me.  Grandpa came in and got me up out of bed and said I could go on the forklift ride.  (Were those safe?)  It was better than any amusement park ride.

*Singing and playing the piano with Shelly and Kate

*Uncle Jerry telling funny stories

I am sure there are lots more---feel free to add any of yours in the comments.