Sassafras leaves were showering down all around me. They had that familiar 3-pronged look to them that took me back to walks in the woods with my Dad. Ever the science teacher (even after discovering what he really wanted to be was a family dentist and loving it for nearly 40 years), he had imparted to me at an early age that this may be the only tree that had three different shaped leaves on the same tree: a football, a ghost, and a mitten.

The shapes of the leaves on the lake path today, however, reminded me of a turkey.

What?! You don’t see the resemblance at all, do you…🦃🍗

I caught myself giggling as not-so-distant memories with grandsons Oliver and Lincoln popped into my mind. Together we had decorated what would become the cheese ball bowl for the appetizer Pawpaw and I were bringing to their house for our Thanksgiving Dinner.

It’s November 2017. As 7 year old Oliver begins fleshing out his design strategy, construction paper becomes feathers. Grabbing up three of them, he decides “Hey, this looks like a turkey’s foot. Let’s add those to the bottom of the bowl!”

After lots of cutting (actually 2 year old Lincoln’s first attempt with great focus & success) and taping, the boys are happy with their creation. So delighted in fact that the Tom Turkey Dance is spontaneously invented by the duo to celebrate!

As family gathers the next day for our meal together, the cheese ball isn’t the only thing being shared around the appetizer table. Most fulfilling to me is hearing Oliver’s telling and re-telling of his story:

How The Thanksgiving Bowl Bird Was Born.

His cousins, aunt and uncles, all of us grandparents and great-Gigi’s are now included in the loop of those who will know how this sure-to-become-a-family-tradition began.

In addition, it’s been added to his KidStoryJottings collection of memories and photos we’re creating together, so it will be documented for future generations of our family to enjoy!

***What moments of family celebration (Thanksgiving or otherwise) popped up from your memory bank just now? What next step will you take toward jotting them down?

I’d love to support you in capturing the beginnings of unique-to-your-family traditions, maybe even starting with this year’s ways of gathering, reminiscing & celebrating.💕

Let’s start adding MORE mini-stories into your Legacy of Memories!

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JOYfully jotting,

Katie

Family PhotoStory Curator

Mini-Stories Writing Coach

Your Legacy of Memories Mentor

Capturing Mini-Moments that Matter…

Energizing & Connecting Families for Generations!