Thanksgiving morning. -2 degrees. One foot of snow. Touch football.

What? You have to bake a pumpkin pie… bad excuse.  Be there.

Last year, I suggested a flag-football game on Thanksgiving morning, and the Port Alsworth Turkey Bowl was started. And after an announcement at church, it was official.  Micah Ness made a trophy and it became a tradition. About 12 people showed up last year and this year, a different mix of people but 16 braved the sub-zero weather to toss the pig-skin.

Friendly smack-talk was constant, sneaking into huddles, and thank goodness the snow was soft, because it turned into a bit of a tackle game. First team to 5 points wins.  Our team was a bit lop-sided with fewer boys, but we made valiant efforts and were up 4 to 1!

Azad was the star of the game, with a gazillion touchdowns. Lots of great catches and interceptions were made by everyone, but Azad clutched the MVP award for the game.

But despite our 4 to 1 lead, we couldn’t hang on and CJ’s team came back from behind and stole the trophy from us.  GGAAAAHHHH.  It’s twice now that Jon’s team has lost… but he’s not at all bitter about that.

Helen, from New Zealand, on the left was the MVP last year and ads a special spice to the game because she enjoys the traditional American football. You have to come back next year Helen…if only for this game. Seriously.  Autumn is the photographer of these amazing photos and I think she’s the true MVP for standing and watching us play in such cold weather.  It was another fun way to start Thanksgiving and not feel so bad about stuffing myself with pie later.