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...