No Matter What

When I married Scott, there was only one other in-law: Jennie.  Now look what we've done!  The family has exploded and become ever-so-much more complex and chaotic and exciting and NOISY!  I love each one of these people, which is a real blessing.  In theory, families love each other no matter what.  As life goes on, the "no matter what" becomes less of an abstraction.  Life puts love to the test, no question.  But the Dopp family is a "No Matter What" family.  Come what may, there is love, there is food, there is free labor.  And there's always ham in the fridge.  Once in a generation, someone might throw pancakes at the ceiling, lodge a pen in a brother's eye or intentionally run over a loaf of bread with their car, but for the most part, the insanity is kept at bay.  Barely.  (Oh, you guys know I'm (kinda) kidding.)

 Araceli helped Grandma put the finishing touches on the gravy.  I don't know how Bruce and Marlene pull it off so perfectly while making it look so effortless.  I know it's major work to put on Thanksgiving for 38 people.  Everything was delicious and we loved it.  Marlene found me in a coma with a fork suspended midway to my mouth, trying to eat just one more bite of pie.  I tried to eat more, I really tried.  It was all so good!!  Most of our kids said the mashed potatoes were their favorite part.  My favorite part will be the turkey and whipped cream sandwich I'm going to have tomorrow.  If you care to join me, just remember, lots of butter and salt and pepper is the key.

 Look like sisters.

 Look like twins!

 Jersey, Tziporah's BCF.  (Best cousin forever)

 My five beautiful girls with Scott and Clint telling secrets in the background.  Hmm...Christmas must be coming!

 They don't look like they haven't slept for days, do they?  I don't know how they do it all and still look this good!

Xanthe loves to mother.  Kiptyn and Tolly look like willing subjects!

 Quintessential Thanksgiving

 Neeley and Ari; more BCF's

 This is Jeff...and Scott, before he shrank.

 This is Scott after he shrank.  Did anyone ever read a weird book called "The Shrinking of Treehorn"?  Not sure what was up with 80-year-old Scott, but this picture cracked us up.

 Kate, Lilah and Xanthe

 This is Tziporah in 2025.

 This is Tziporah now.

 This is Freestone, Chase, Collin and Jake in 30 years.  Except by then, the electronics will be somehow wired into their brains.  Jeff and Ryan could probably explain how that's going to work.

 Mom, look at your watch!  It's time to feed me!

 There was a lot of newspaper ad perusal going on.  Some of the dumber members of the family are out shopping as we speak.  Hi Scott!

 Scott is Bruce's favorite child.  That's why they dressed alike.  Maybe someday the rest of you will be Bruce's favorite, but probably not.  Scott is pretty cool.  Well, I said the Dopp family was a "No Matter What" family.  We'll see.  I could get kicked out for being obnoxious, but it's highly unlikely, given the competition.

(I love you guys.)