Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving is quite possibly the only day of the year where I actually have a good excuse to spend all day in the kitchen- and for me, that is like being a kid on Christmas morning.

But as much as I love cooking, that's not why Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday... 

It’s no surprise that family takes first place for why I love Thanksgiving.. As if my family wasn't already fabulous enough, I married into an incredibly awesome family! Lucky? I'd say so.. This year was my sides turn. So Jared and I ventured up North-our longest road trip yet- to see my mom and baby sis. (okay, so I guess at 12 she's not a baby anymore..)

Nothing puts me into a better slumber than a smooth ride in a warm car, so of course on a ten hour trip I was bound to fall asleep... Only to wake up to Jared shaking my shoulder as we arrived in Portland- It was definitely love at first sight. The bright lights of the city shining on the river and the tall buildings towering endlessly into the dark night sky was enough for Jared to be sure we needed to live there. I however, could pass.. As beautiful as Portland is, my hair would not make friendly the constant moist air.

For the longest time I missed out on the true meaning of Thanksgiving. It's the one day a year (although I personally think every day should be like this...) that we show gratitude. I love Thanksgiving because I get to spend it surrounded by people that I love- my family. I am so grateful for my family and the support they give to me.

My mom and I braved the black Friday midnight rush but by three o'clock and only TWO stores later we called it quits vowing to wake up in a couple hours to continue the madness. We quickly realized beauty sleep was much more important..

Jared and I were sure our trip would be isolated to indoors. But to our sweet surprise we had two full days of sunshine (by sunshine I mean overcast, but at least it wasn't raining).

We discovered Saturday Market in downtown Portland and of course the infamous Voodoo Donuts. The line was outrageous! Needless to say, by this time, we were so over lines and skipped that venue. But I'm not sorry- I spotted a couple doughnuts on our way out and they didn't any more delicious than the doughnuts at Smiths.

Jared was more interested in the bridges than the crafts the tent held, so we all indulged him and walked across two of the bridges.

All in all, Thanksgiving weekend was a success, and I'm already looking forward to next year!

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend!