Thanksgiving 2013

The past several weeks have been a complete whirlwind, but I'm finally getting back to posting some Thanksgiving pictures.  After my final evening of night float, I hit the road early Thanksgiving morning in route to Atlanta.  Fueled by some breakfast and a rather large latte, I made it door to door in 3.5 hours.  After a quick hello, Bailey somehow sensed my arrival as a sign that we needed to go for a run. So despite having been awake for 20 hours, that is exactly what we did.  

Later in the evenings the whole family gathered for a Thanksgiving feast.  In typical fashion, Mom and Dad combined to prepare the perfect feast, completed by a few dishes made by Grandma.

Here's a look at our eats . . . .

Sweet Potatoes with Pecan Topping + Green Bean Casserole

Oyster Stuffing (a Perkins family tradition) + Mashed Potatoes and Parsnips

Bourbon Smoked Organic Turkey + Bourbon Gravy

My plate with portions of everything - including whole berry roasted cranberry sauce (my favorite!)

We had no trouble cleaning our plates while taking turns answering hypothetical questions.  What is one thing you wish to do in your life that you have yet to accomplish?  If you could go back to high school and choose a different career, what would it be?

Despite full stomachs, we had no trouble making room for some dessert - apple pie and vegan pumpkin pie with whipped topping.

In the several months since I had been home, there were some major renovations in the backyard.  One of the highlights is the addition of a fire pit and seating area.  We bundled up and enjoyed an hour of relaxation watching the flames.  Bailey insisted on joining the gathering and very quickly made her way into my lap, sitting quite contently for a half hour.  Yes, she wears a sweater, and yes, she wears a muzzle.  The crazy dog won't stop eating wood chips, so that is her punishment.  Don't feel bad for her . . . she is spoiled rotten.

Saturday morning I offered to make breakfast, preparing a broccoli frittata, pumpkin bread, and a fruit salad.  Lazy breakfasts are a treat that I always enjoy.

Bailey and I hit the pavement for an 8 mile run and then joined Mom and Dad for a hike through the trails.  It was a cool, yet sunny morning, not a cloud in the sky.

Speaking of beautiful blue skies, we had exciting plans for Saturday afternoon - Let's Go Flying!  Some might call it a midlife crisis, yet others would consider it realizing a lifelong dream.  Regardless, Dad is a very proud owner of a plane, and very quickly learning how to be a pilot.

Armed with his flight instructor at his side, we made two loops through the North Georgia skies.

The views on a clear day were spectacular!  As the sun began to set we were treated to the true beauty of nature.  I'll let the pictures do the talking.

I was really impressed with the smooth flight and Dad's ability to fly the plane.  I'm sure there will be many family trips in the future.  Or, at the very least, I'll be making some reservations on Perkins Air for the trip from Charlotte to Atlanta!

This picture of Bailey essentially sums up our Sunday.  It was quite a surprise that I slept until 9:30 that morning.  My laziness continued with a couple of hours curled up by the fireplace.  Suddenly it was time to pack up and make the drive back to Charlotte.  The four days of vacation flew by in the blink of an eye!  Is it too early to start the countdown to Christmas vacation?