Thanksgiving 2010

Thanksgiving morning was the third annual Turkey Trot.  We ran it two years ago, then last year skipped it because I was about to have Norah.  This year Norah stayed home with Em and Sam.  Braden, Olivia, Steve and I got bundled up and ready to run.

It was FREEZING!  You can see from the picture how gray the sky was... a gloomy, cold, day.  That didn't stop us however from having a really great time.  All of us but Dick ran the 2 mile run.  He was the brave soul who ran all 5 miles.  Braden ran/walked the first mile and then rode in the stroller for the second mile.

Olivia rode the whole way and believe it or not fell asleep.  I don't quite know how one falls asleep amongst roughly four thousand runners but she managed to do so!  

Braden was quite proud of his first race number but I think his favorite part was the pumpkin pie that you get at the end.

On the way home Steve and I hit one of the only Starbucks open in the area.  We had 8 drinks in total which was a little comical.  It was the perfect treat to warm us up after the run.

This was a picture of the beautiful table.  I love it when my mom pulls out her china.  It feels so fancy!  Kind of like Fancy Nancy. :) Can you tell I am the mom of a three year old?  I hope to continue on in the tradition of bringing out my dishes for special occasions.  

We have the most wonderful discussion at the table each year.  We go around one by one and talk about what we are most thankful for.  This group, there are 14 of us now have been gathering for as long as I can remember.  Although not blood relatives, they are truly part of our family.  Our sharing is honest, heartfelt and at times emotional.  I love the tradition.  It's one of the reasons I love Thanksgiving so much.

This was our family shot.  I am absolutely shocked that we are all smiling at the same time! Even Norah. Next year at this time Sam and Em's baby will be with us as well.  We can't wait to meet their little bambino. :)

One more whole group shot!!  Even my mom's newest cat, Harvey, is posing!  Can you see him?  

Thanksgiving this year was quiet in comparison with the last couple of years.  Last year my grandma died and the year before I had my miscarriage.  We welcomed the quietness with open arms.  I love my family, my extended Thanksgiving family and the opportunity the holiday give us to reflect on all that we are grateful for.