President Obama broke his seven year streak of convincing his two daughters to join him during the presidential tradition of granting a Thanksgiving Eve turkey pardon. (Malia and Sasha were a unique part of the president’s personal touch to the White House ceremony.) Instead, he was joined by his two young nephews, whom he said weren’t yet “turned cynical by Washington” and “appreciate the grandeur of this occasion.” Obama joked his way through the ceremony with a “corny-copia” of puns, but also expressed his gratitude for being able to serve in the White House for two terms. You can watch his full speech in the video above.