Glad to be a Thomson
Since our wedding was in Virginia and a lot of Alex’s family couldn’t make the long trip, Alex’s parents threw us a reception in Minnesota. It was awesome, because I got to meet more of Alex’s extended family and friends. My mother-in-law, Jana, made tons of delicious food and decorated the whole yard. She even incorporated little details from our wedding.
Jana made tons of food including a delicious baked spaghetti. (You can find the recipe here.) She also made little veggie cups that had dip in the bottom of each cup, so you could just grab one and go! All of the veggies came from Alex’s Aunt Holly who has a massive garden. These were literally just picked from the ground! These were genius and I’m stealing this idea for my next party! (This helped balance out all of the homemade cookies & cupcakes I ate…)
Honestly though, the best part really was just spending time with family and friends. We played lawn games, a few card games, and spent the evening chatting while the sun went down. 
Jana and her sisters threw me a surprise wedding shower which was so sweet and thoughtful. It really made me feel like one of the family. I received lots of lovely gifts, including a cookbook from Alex’s grandma. I can’t wait to make some of the recipes!
I’m so thankful to be a part of such a wonderful, loving family. The Thomsons are a fun bunch and I’m so blessed to be one of them!
Family time is just the best! I honestly can’t think of anything better than spending time with my family (even when we’re just sitting around the dinner table chatting!) 🙂 I’m glad you have two wonderful families to share special memories with! They’re lucky to have you too!
It really is the best! I’m glad we both have such great families!
That’s so sweet that they threw you a party!! It looks like it was a lot of fun!
xo,
Angela
Aw, that was so sweet of his family to do for you guys!! It looks like such a fun time and the food looked amazing. Brandon and I both come from really small families so we don’t have any traditions but that just gives us more of a reason to start our own with our family one day soon!
That’s wonderful! How thoughtful of his mother to throw such a lovely soiree in your honor. 🙂 Jeez fresh veggies? That sounds amazing – I could use a tomato right about now, lol. Glad you had a wonderful time and get a long great with your new family! Take Care Liz! -iva
Oh man, the fresh tomatoes were so good!!
Awwwh, that’s so sweet. My family don’t really have any traditions, but I’m looking forward to making my own.
Your programs are SO cute and clever! I hope to follow a similar concept… someday 😉
I love this! Most of our traditions center around the holidays but we always make ginger bread houses at Thanksgiving and serve at Stop Hunger Now on Christmas Eve. I’m hoping Andrew and I start our own tradition of take out Chinese and champagne for New Years. 😉
What a lovely post!!! So great to have two wonderful families to be a part of, and sounds like they are a lot of fun too! I am accepted into my boyfriends family too, and that makes it so much easier, it will be tough at christmas not being at home for the first time, but I know his family all make me feel welcome 🙂
I hear you!! Split holidays are going to be weird but at least we both have great family!
It looks like you had so much fun and made tons of great memories. I love card games 🙂
How sweet! Your family sounds awesome and it looks like you had a great time.