Man was it good to be home for Thanksgiving this year. While we were able to make a brief stop in Roanoke when we moved from London in September, we were both especially looking forward to spending Thanksgiving at home and introducing Roanoke to Eric and Anna. It was all just so perfect.
Thanksgiving morning, after a few cups of coffee, we put on our matching shirts, laced up our shoes, and drove downtown for the Drumstick Dash with the entire family. It was a chilly morning, perfect for the run. Ben left me in the dust, but hey we all finished (some just a bit faster than others).
It was such a treat to share the tradition with Eric and Anna and quite an easy way to show them Roanoke in its entirety. They win the award for the dream team running couple.
After reuniting with just about the entire city of Roanoke, all while working up quite the appetite, we were ready for a day of feasting and family. First stop, my Granny’s house for my dad’s deep-fried turkey, the best mac and cheese, and a few songs on the piano. After round one of Thanksgiving, we headed back to Ben’s house to enjoy round two (or if your name is Ben, rounds 3-6). Then, then it was time for pie. Lots and lots of pie. 
A lovely little backdrop for Thanksgiving pictures, homecoming pictures, prom pictures, etc.
Roanoke, you are mighty fine to look at.
Cotton candy sunsets.
After the cotton candy sky turned dark, we gathered around the fire for tea, laughs, England reminiscing, and TBS/DC/Norfolk chat. Ben and I are so incredibly thankful for Eric and Anna’s friendship and their mutual love for England and tea.
It was truly the perfect end to one of the best Thanksgivings. 
Friday morning, we set out to show Anna and Eric a bit more of Roanoke. The September weather making an appearance in late November treated us so kindly as we hiked up Mill Mountain to the Roanoke Star. 
The Star City in all its glory.
I foresee several trips and adventures to come with this group. 
The rest of the day we relaxed and ejoyed the second best part of Thanksgiving, the leftovers.
Saturday morning was pancake filled before heading to Crystal Creek for a little run with Ben. Ben and I rewarded ourselves by ending at the Penn Forest playground swings. We do love a good swing, no matter what country we are in. Then, my mom and I did a little shopping, puppy playing, and searching for the perfect Christmas candle. All very successful. This year Elmwood Park opened an ice skating rink downtown, and coming from a family that grew up playing hokey, this was music to our ears. Although a bit of a small rink, it was the perfect size for a tiny little human obsessed with skating.
I mean, come on Braven, please be cuter.
Essentially Braven stole the show and Dustin and I just scooted him around. 
Being your aunt is the best, little man. 
Love ya, brother! (You too Garrett!!)
Almost the entire fam (missing papa bear and Garrett!) So thankful to get to spend time with them and get in a few laps around the rink! 
After skating, we went to the Charlie Brown movie with all the kiddos. I think we ended up watching them watch the movie more than the actual movie.
It’s easy to forget how wonderful it is to spend the holidays with family after being so far away. I loved every moment of my first Thanksgiving married with Ben (last year was a bit of a long story–darn visa), catching up with old friends, sharing Roanoke with new friends, feasting on turkey, relaxing around the fire, and spending time with our families.
Thanksgiving 2015 was one for the books.
[…] was so good to be home for Thanksgiving and we loved the chance to show Eric and Anna […]