Thanksgiving in Arizona

This is the first year we have stayed in Arizona for Thanksgiving. We always have gone to California in the past to be with my Grandpa. Last year he passed away, and since the Holt reunion is on Saturday, we decided to stay home.


My dad, sister and I started off the day by running in a 5k. This was my first race this year. I ran two last year but have since shed 35 pounds. My goal was to run the entire race and I was shooting for 42 minutes.


I achieved one of those goals. I didn't walk once during the race and I finished with a time of 44:26. Much faster than my first try at over 51 minutes a year and a half ago.


Here are a few looks at us after the race. My dad creamed me by 12 minutes and it was a personal best for him.

This guy is 65 years old and started running only last year. What a stud.

Now it's on to the good stuff. The meal.


Megan and Anna got all dolled up for the occasion.


The main table is ready with the main part. Turkey, stuffing and sparkling cider.

Katie helping in the kitchen.

Ally with her self portrait.


Jayden, Megan, Kyana and Anna waiting for grub.


The group.

Ally and Wayland

Mom and Dad

Family pictures

It was that time of year again to think about our Christmas card. But, we had not taken pictures yet. So, we were in Queen Creek at my sister Ally's house and she took us out to circle cross ranch to snap some photos. She did a great job.







Cousin Jayden

He's 43

Where does the time go? It seems like he was just 23. You know how low key birthdays can get as you age. Well, this was definitely that. We had dinner at Ally and Wayland's house. I made this cake from scratch. I thought it was cool looking and not bad tasting either.

Happy birthday to my sweetheart.

Turkey

I was asked to teach a class on how to prepare a turkey and make gravy in preparation for Thanskgiving. I also decided to show some leftover ideas that I make. You can find the recipes for these on my food blog.





Here's Tom before:

And after:



Making the gravy


Here are some leftover turkey ideas.

Turkey Cranberry Wreath


Turkey Enchiladas


Turkey Pot Pie

She's got talent

Rachael is a fabulous singer. She was in the talent show at school again this year. She sang "A Moment Like This" by Kelly Clarkson. I am so proud of her. She doesn't love being on stage, but she does it anyway. Too bad I have a horrible picture and no video.

We love Arizona

There are some great benefits to living in Arizona. For example, eating outside on the patio in November. Gotta love it!

Katie's 15

Our traditional breakfast in bed.


This girl is growing up so quickly. I don't know what I would do without her.




We surprised her with tickets to Phantom of the Opera.


She was able to bring Rachael and Lena to the show.




I never had shoes this cute as a teenager.


We went to her favorite restaurant for lunch.

Her favorite food: chicken fetticini alfredo


Being serenaded by our waiter.


Her favorite dessert.

BFF's





Gammage Auditorium


I don't think I'm as short as I appear.


Great seats (NOT) Katie got motion sickness on the walk up.


The three beauties inside the theater.