Happy Thanksgiving!

This year was an atypical Thanksgiving in the Dotson house.  For the first time ever we did not travel, host, or feast at home.  With just the three of us, we switched up our traditions a bit, but still had a relaxing, delicious, memorable, and blessed Thanksgiving.

Kicked off the holiday with a light soup dinner at home on Wednesday night to conserve  for the Thursday eat-a-thon.

We started our Thanksgiving day bright and early with an 8am community Turkey Trot.  I must admit, the idea sounded a lot better BEFORE we learned that the high temperature for the day would be 30 degrees.  But we bundled up and the sun helped a lot.  It was a great way to feel a part of the community and to help support a wonderful cause -- helping women fight breast cancer.

These guys were nuts--and had to be frozen solid.  Oh, the frivolity of youth! LOL!

Nothing like a good trot through the polar vortex to get the system going!  But it helped us feel a bit less guilty for the AMAZING meal that followed.  We splurged on one of our favorite restaurants, which was an awesome, gourmet--but all locally and organically grown-- Thanksgiving feast.

A completely WOW menu.  Everything was SUPERB -- still dreaming about it!  

Mulled wine was a warm, festive treat for dad.

 Some of the culinary delights...

Turkey and stuffing was truly the piece de resistance.  All of the  entrees were beyond excellent, but the turkey was simply incredible.  Even Simone LOVED it, and turkey is among her least favorite of all meals.  Normally we have to coax her to eat a small, token piece of the great bird.  This year, we had to wrestle it away from her.

 Corn bread, carrots, trout, white sweet potatoes, spinach, and even a bit of pork shoulder.  A traditional thanksgiving meal with a few exciting twists.

We left the restaurant happy and full, and Simone was so impressed she nominated it for a Michelin star (at least in her book)and we agreed!  And now.... the most wonderful time of the year...

Surprise, Grand Dad!

Last weekend we took a road trip to Warren, Ohio to surprise Grand Dad for his 80th birthday!!  We drove as far as Pittsburgh on Friday night where we made a quick stop at Pitt to see mommy's old college stomping grounds.  It was really nice to see Pittsburgh again after all these years.  There were certainly some changes and new things, but it was great to see that much had also remained the same old familiar University of Pittsburgh!

While on campus we stopped to buy a sweatshirt at the same outdoor kiosk that sold me my first Pitt sweatshirt over 25 years ago.  I was stunned to find the same owner, who graciously posed for a picture.

Cathedral of Learning still standing strong.

William Pitt Student Union

We headed over to Squirrel Hill for breakfast on Saturday morning and just had to stop at Eat n Park for a box of cookies.  Still yummy!!

Simone snapping a shot of our cookie stop.

After a stop at the bookstore and breakfast at Pamela's, we headed to Warren for the party.

Grand dad was totally shocked and completely overwhelmed.  It was such a joy and blessing to celebrate this milestone with the entire family!

And finally, on Sunday, we all headed to Cleveland where dad and grand dad saw the Browns game.  Mom and Simone opted for Les Miserables at the Playhouse Square theater.  We all had a wonderful time before we hit the road back to Virginia.

Now to gear up for the holidays ahead.  Our favorite time of the year!

Fall Photo Shoot

Today was a gorgeous day, and we took a long walk around the neighborhood in the glistening sunshine and crisp fall air.  Luckily, I had my phone with me, because it inspired lots of photos for which Simone was an eager subject.  So, in no particular order, my lovely little lady...

October: Easy Come, Easy Go!!

And the Dotsons have just closed the book on October 2018.  Over in a flash.  It was an extremely busy, but great, month. It took a full Team Dotson effort to get through the homework load, doctor and dentist visits, work trips, practices and rehearsals, and--of course--Halloween.  But we made it, and now holiday season full steam ahead.  

Simone donned two costumes this year -- a simpler one for school and one for trick or treat.  

Trick or treat costume.

School costume.

We had some exceptionally beautiful weather for Halloween night, and Simone hit the streets with her friends for trick or treat.  She returned home with her usual haul of candy and had it culled and sorted before bedtime --LOL.

We cherished this trick or treat knowing that it could well be close to her last.  Soon she'll outgrow dressing up and spending the evening in the company of mom and dad.

The very next night was the school talent show.  Simone and her friend Katarina worked so hard on their act and IMHO, stole the show!  We were so proud.

The girls did a lively and engaging rendition of Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better.  Simone is clearly in her element when she's on a stage -- she's becoming a little performer!

Taking a final bow with the cast.

Smiles after the show. 

And last but not least, a little glimpse of part of our Columbus Day weekend.  After skating practice, we spent a couple of hours at a Leesburg winery for lunch and some fresh air.  

Almost Tuscany!!

And that's a wrap for October.  November also promises to be pretty busy, but lots of memories to be made ahead!