An “Out of the Box” Thanksgiving

Happy Monday morning – and the beginning of that five week “fast” until Christmas! Well, maybe not. But I do hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and gained, at least, a pound to show for all the effort that went into those meals!

We did something totally different this year – and it worked! I had struggled and struggled with trying to create new traditions…or, at least, trying to do things a bit differently. Without Tyler here – and Jordan not even being able to come home – things are NOT the same and we needed a change. But I had a hard time giving myself permission to “not follow the rules.” We didn’t even have turkey, folks! But, I must admit, it was a great day.

Reflecting back, we all agreed it was a really good Thanksgiving. Hubbie does not like turkey. Never has. (That’s a bummer because I love turkey and we could have it a lot more than once a year….) My daughter is a vegetarian and so, you can begin to see how the traditional turkey feast really was not what everyone was wanting.

But we do love breakfast. And breakfast carbs:) So we started our day with brunch…and homemade belgian waffles!

Not just any belgian waffles I have to say…..these were topped with vanilla bean Hagen Daas ice cream, hot apples, just a drip of syrup and whipped cream! If you’re thinking ice cream on waffles (like I did at first), then you haven’t tried it! It was devine. Thanks to Kristine for the suggestion – AND for the waffle iron. (so have to get one of those!)

With our bellies full….we all sorta felt like this!! (and, yes, her head is burning hot but she is in bliss – what a goof!!)
Once we all aroused from carb-induced stupor, we headed to the mountains for hiking. All week long, those nay-sayer weathermen had threatened showers for Thanksgiving, but they were wrong. It was a perfect day for hiking. We used to hike alot when the kids were small but it has been awhile and, truly, we all had forgotten how much we enjoyed it.
Don’t get me wrong….we are not hard-core climbers by any means. Much more wanderers in the woods – but we love it. And so do the pups – even the little one:)
Obviously, posing with the little guy is alot easier than trying to coax the big one to “Come here. Sit. Stay. Smile.”

The views and landscapes were beautiful. Probably can’t appreciate that with my photos but take my word for it.

You could see for miles down into the valley…………………..

Yes, the pups are little spoiled!

The best part was simply being together. I love you guys.

16 thoughts on “An “Out of the Box” Thanksgiving

  1. So glad to hear that you enjoyed such a wonderful time with your family…nothing better than being TOGETHER, is there? Loved all of your pretty pictures!

  2. Sounds like a wonderful day!! I could definitely get into the waffle and ice cream idea. And such a pretty place to hike…I just noticed on your side bar another grandbaby in May…YAY…How exciting. Hope your having a good day. HUGS

  3. Wow! That sounds like a fantatic Thanksgiving. The breakfast sounded so delicious and I love nothing better than a nice, easy hike. Thanks for sharing with us!

  4. Okay, that sounds like a wonderful tradition to start. You have a big brunch, then you have all day to do just what you want to do! Great idea. And your table looks lovely.

  5. Jennifer~ I think congratulations are in order for stepping *out of the box* and beginning a new tradition for your family! What we eat or when we eat it is not the idea ~ it's if we are thankful for what we have! (And most especially ~ Who we give thanks to!)
    I can't think of a better way to rejoice in His goodness to us than to experience the bounty and beauty of this great land that was established by Him for us!

    Sounds like a great day of Thanks Giving to me!
    Blessings!

  6. Hi Jen! What a fun day you guys had! Dad looks so great in the picture with Rascal too! I smiled when I was looking at it 🙂 He is such a handsome dad 🙂

    Glad you guys had such a nice time being together and enjoying the outdoors. That's one of my favorite things to do…take walks and just enjoy the outdoors! Riley and I do it ALL the time. I think she and I both find serenity outside or something 🙂 I point out the birds, ducks, turtles, airplanes, etc and she really loves it 🙂

    I will definitely be trying that Belgian waffle idea too! Will need to get a Belgian waffle maker like you but still, someday I will definitely try the icecream on waffles thing!

    Love ya!

    Erica

    ps-And tell Em that her hair color looked really good against the fallen leaves all over the ground. She should put that picture on facebook cause it's so pretty!

  7. We did some different things over Thanksgiving as well–like you, new traditions can be a good thing!

    Your new blog background is very nice.

    Hope you are having a good week, Jennifer.

    Hugs from Heidi

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