Thanksgiving 2010: Calm before the storm

The cooking is done. The table is set. The seating arrangements are...well, arranged. We're hanging out on the couches (which have been pushed against the far wall to accommodate the tables), watching football with the sound off, chatting about (and drinking) beer. Showers will happen soon. People will arrive soon. Last-minute panic will set in soon. But not yet.

From earlier today:
Dad-in-law sliced the cheese for the top of the onion soup...

...while Mom-in-law ironed our new, super-classy black tablecloths...

...and we shredded carrots...

 ...took the corn muffins out of the muffin tins...

...sliced cheese...

...and whipped cream.

Now, everything is set up in the kitchen, ready to go.

Thirteen people, seven courses, twelve bottles of wine. Two and half hours away. One last deep breath, and then...