Happy Thanksgiving weekend to my American readers! I’ve had itchy feet lately and have been counting down the days to my next big adventure, but this past Thursday I was so grateful that I’ve delayed my travels in order to be home for the holidays. I have so much to be grateful for, it’s almost ridiculous, and I teared up at the dinner table trying to put it all into words when it was my turn to give thanks.
Thanksgiving is the biggest and most beloved holiday in my house, and missing it last year when I was in Vietnam broke my heart. I know that with my nomadic lifestyle I won’t always be able to spend these special days with family and friends, so I really cherish it now when I do.
Photo A
My mom does a beautiful job with out table and name cards. I love the photo on the right because it commemorates that my Grandma Joyce made the trip out to spend the holiday with us this year!
Photo B
We’re not really a football family. Instead, we watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Westminster Dog Show, and do a puzzle.
Photo C
It wouldn’t be a holiday in the Allen-Baackes house if we didn’t (A) dress up our dog, or (B) dress up ourselves. Tucker was pretty put-out about not being allowed human food, though.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
A few other notes to share this week….
β’ This story inspired me more than anything I’ve read lately. I love this quote especially:
You wonβt always be young. And life wonβt always be just about you. So travel, young person. Experience the world for all itβs worth. Become a person of culture, adventure, and compassion. While you still can.
Do not squander this time. You will never have it again. You have a crucial opportunity to invest in the next season of your life now. Whatever you sow, you will eventually reap. The habits you form in this season will stick with you for the rest of your life. So choose those habits wisely.
β’ I’m blabbing over at Eagle Creek on How To Beat Jetlag! My mom and sister will tell you I’m an expert at this.
Update: Travel Blog Success was merged with Superstar Blogging by Nomadic Matt. It’s an equally impressive course that I plan to take and review eventually — click here to take it yourself!Β
β’ Exiting news! This weekend there is a huge 50% off sale on Travel Blog Success, the online course that helped me make Alex in Wanderland what it is today! This program changed the way I looked at travel blogging and helped me move it from a hobby to a business. The memberβs group gives me daily inspiration, feedback, and assistance. I couldnβt ask for a better community! Click here and use the code “tbs50” to get your lifetime membership at this never-before-seen low rate!
β’ Blue Host, the company that hosts Alex in Wanderland, is having a Black Friday – Cyber Monday sale! All pricing is $1 off standard rates, making hosting as low as $3.95 per month. They have great prices and excellent customer service (an actual human takes my phone calls!) Highly recommended. Note: By using the link on this page, I will receive an affiliate commission.
It is nice to be home for the holidays, especially since it appears you have a great relationship with your family. Happy belated Thanksgiving. π P.S. Your dog is soooo cute!
Thanks Diana! Yes, I am lucky to have a great relationship with my family. Well… maybe don’t ask my mom’s opinion on the whole thing, as I’ve been overstaying my welcome a bit crashing with her lately π
CLEARLY photo B takes the win this week… anything that highlights my superior puzzling skills…
And your great hat-wearing head.
clearly C…..two handsome dudes in T-day gear….I mean no contest
My two favorite male immediate-family members π
John, you work hard and you play hard. You’re also a good sport. Happy Holidays.
I pick them all !!! What’s not to like?
What’s not to like — the fact that YOU weren’t there π
C. Your dad looks hysterical, plus the black and white image and the color only the “turkey costumes”.
Dad and Tucker are both pretty good sports when it comes to my incessant photo demands π Glad you like!
I LOVE the pic of your Dad!
I should have guessed that would be your fave — I know we are both Daddy’s girls π
A, of course ! Thanks to you and for you !
Thank YOU Gram, hope you got home safe!
I agree, life is short so let’s enjoy it while we can, let’s experience things and go to different places.. Because when we grow old we won’t be able to do things normally only young people could do. Btw, your dog is so cute and love the headband. π
I’ll tell him you said so π Thanks!