Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday

This year was the first in a while that I didn't get up early on Thanksgiving for the Turkey Day race. Instead, I slept in, stayed in my pajamas, and watched the parade in real time while I had my breakfast and coffee. It was glorious.

Kenny's family came over around noon to have their Thanksgiving dinner at our house, but this was our year with my family. We went over to Nola and Nopsi's at 1 for cocktails and appetizers before sitting down to dinner at 2. Everything was SO good. They really do outdo themselves every year. (Also, please note that nothing on Erin's plate is touching. Even at Thanksgiving she maintains her OCD tendencies.)

The next day, we got together with Kenny's family and went on a hike in Jean Lafitte National Park. Kenny and the boys had been there with the Scouts back in October, and he thought his sister would enjoy it. So we all went on Black Friday. (Rory was tired from being up late the night before and snuggled with Orangey while the adults gathered and made a hiking plan.)

The park was actually pretty crowded; lots of people had the same idea we did. It didn't hurt that it was a pretty day, although a bit warm. We showed the Californians what a swamp looks like and spotted lots of critters, including dragonflies, frogs, birds, a snake (Riley wanted to pick it up so badly), alligators (including some babies!), and even racoons. We walked a total of just over 4 miles!

We were all pretty hungry after our hike, so Kenny suggested we grab an early dinner at Rivershack Tavern in Gretna. We sat upstairs on their rooftop patio overlooking the river. It was perfect!

We actually did something on Black Friday morning before our family hike....that recap coming up next!