thanksgiving in the most magical place on earth

Aaron and I have the great fortune of having family that live in Orlando. Home of Mickey Mouse, year round warm weather, balmy breezes and sunshine. The first time we traveled to Orlando for Thanksgiving was about 6 years ago and it was my first winter holiday in a place that didn't feel like winter. It was weird. But this time it was lovely!


Having just returned from the seven weeks in the warm(er) south, it was a bit shocking to come back to the chill of Ohio. And while the real cold hasn't settled in yet, and there were a few spring-like day (evidence being the bulbs in my garden that got confused and decided it was time to bloom). But regardless, it was cold. So the idea of Thanksgiving in Florida was welcome. Of course, the butt-numbing 15 hour drive wasn't that pleasant, but the journey itself was well worth the effort.


We don't get to see the Florida family a lot, for obvious reasons (distance), so it's always great to reconnect. And to take pictures. And to visit, indeed, the most magical place on earth, Disney World. While in Orlando we took the time to do Epcot and Animal Kingdom, two of my favorite in the Disney line-up. I'll share pictures of that soon. For now, here's a glimpse at what Thanksgiving in a 70 degree setting is like! Enjoy!

Every journey south isn't complete without a stop for Fireworks!


Somewhere in Georgia the sky started to look very strange - check out the cloud patterns!


These were taken at a gas station in the middle of Georgia. There's beauty everywhere. Don't mind the highway in the background, though.









Aaron's grandmother, who we call Henny, volunteers at a small art museum in Winter Park. We took a tour of the house and the gardens (very tropical!)











Thanksgiving at Aaron's Aunt Barb and Uncle Don's home - this is Aaron's cousin Marcus and his grandmother, Henny


Don grilling the ham


the festive table, note the pool in the background.




playing pool after dinner




Aaron and Marcus

Marcus and Jenee's daughter, Reese

Marcus and Jenee's other daughter, Hannah


Jenee

Henny


Reese poolside




wishbone