Thanksgiving this year was different than the last two years. I don’t have a Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to recap or Black Friday shopping in Manhattan, but I got to do what I’ve always done for majority of my life and that was spend it back home with family again. It was nice having a traditional Thanksgiving again that I hadn’t had these past two years.
If you’ve been around these parts for a time or two, I’m sure you know by know the extent of my love for all things Louisiana and the food she has to offer, so it’s no surprise that my Thanksgiving week was filled with eating. But that’s what Thanksgiving is all about right? The food and giving thanks. I mean, I couldn’t not take part. That’s just rude. I made sure to take full advantage of the 5 days I had at home and have come to terms with the fact that every time I go home, I will be on a mission to do and eat all the southern things (see what I did there!?) like it’s my last chance to ever do so. It is what it is!
One :: First let’s talk about being thankful. I’m thankful for 70 degree patio weather at the end of November. And waterfront dinner views. It never gets old.
Two :: I’m also thankful for shrimp and crab gumbo with crab cakes.
Three :: And chips and queso and more patio weather. If this picture doesn’t scream creature of habit then I don’t know what does.
Four :: I’m pretty sure I wasn’t hungry by the time Thanksgiving day actually got here, but my plate shows otherwise.
Five :: It took us at least an hour to pick out a tree. My mom had the poor guy working at the tree farm showcase two trees side by side for her to choose. She finally decided on one and then changed her mind at the last minute. We went home with a tree that wasn’t even on our top 3 list. #justkeepsmiling
Six :: No trip home is complete without a visit to my favorite restaurant. The views will leave you feeling like you’re in cajun land for sure, complete with cypress trees, moss, and a boat dock.
Seven :: The best food ever from the best restaurant ever. Crawfish étouffée, blackened catfish, and red beans & rice. I could eat that everyday!
Eight :: What normally is a 7 hour drive turned into an 11 hour drive back to Dallas. Holiday traffic is overrated and so is having to buy a new tire for the car minutes after it’s loaded and you’re ready to hit the road. I’m sure it didn’t help that the last two hours of the trip were spent pulling over every 15 minutes because the struggle was that real. Chris and I could barely stay awake, but we made it alive and that’s all that matters!
Tis the season! For eating, lots of traveling, time at home, and the people that matter. I hope you had a great Thanksgiving! I sure did, but I’m ready for Christmas!
allieology says
I would have preferred your tree picking experience over mine this year. We got to the tree lot and my mom picked the very first tree she saw. Don't get me wrong, the tree is beautiful, but the entire thing took like 10 minutes and that's just sad
Kate @ Another Clean Slate says
Every time you showcase Louisiana is makes me want to visit more and more- and bring my appetite! Glad you had a good (filling) Thanksgiving!
Musings of a Wanderer says
Haha I totally agree about being thankful for 70 degree winter weather. It's perfection. Glad you had a great Thanksgiving! 🙂
Morgan Sparks says
That gumbo looks amazing!! YUM!
Julia says
All that food looks so good! Love your little doggy, so cute!
Nikki of Boba + Pearls says
All trips are based around food in this family. Haha, I need to visit LA.
Boba + Pearls
Lauren @ Lot Forty Eight says
I'm so glad that you got to go home for thanksgiving!! It looks beautiful! I love that you have lived everywhere! How adventurous!
Lisa C says
Out of all the Cajun food, the Mexican food looks the most appetizing to me, haha. And preach about the holiday traffic. I got stuck in tons of it both directions last week.
Terri. says
Everything looks so good! The puppy is so cute!! Thank you for sharing.
Mish L. says
It's always nice spending time with your family 🙂 It makes you feel comfortable and happy with getting together. I'm not a big fan with going to parades because of the crowd and traffics. Especially trying to find parking spot.
crystal Schroth says
Great food,family and friends who could ask for more. That is what makes me the happiest at holidays being able to get together and catch up on everyone's lives.
Anna says
those pink bows on the dog are cute
Veronica Lee says
Love the pics! Family time is the best time!
Jess says
Wow, and 1 hours drive? That's what I'm worried about when I go home for Christmas. That four hour drive can take 7 hours on holiday weekends. Isnt the food at home the best part? The tastes bring back all those memories.
dina eighties says
like the pics, nice post
ash l. says
Those pictures are amazing. I love chips. Dog is adorable.