We had a quiet, but very nice Thanksgiving this year. Cheryl and Parker wanted to host it, so we drove to Ladera Ranch on Wednesday morning. Jared drove over from Mesa, Arizona later that same day. Prior to Jared getting there, the four of us decided to go on a hike near the Stronk's home that was a big ravine with a river at the bottom. Hard to describe. I wasn't really prepared for hiking, so my shoes weren't ideal, but I managed to survive it.
Terrain we were hiking
Such a beautiful day for a hike!
It is tiny, but Parker is holding a snake that Cheryl found in the river.
On Thanksgiving day, Parker smoked the turkey. He had never done this before so he was experimenting. Well, I can tell you that the experiment was a success. The turkey was moist and delicious.
Jared requested that I bake the rolls I make each Thanksgiving and Christmas. Eric's family also made them in Utah, along with pumpkin squares, and sent out these pictures asking if anyone was jealous.
Ryan (always health and diet conscious) commented that they needed more spinach.
The day after Thanksgiving, the five of us piled into our van (along with our five bicycles - three on the rack and two in the back) and headed to Dana Point. Alan and I love riding our bikes at the beach. It is one of our favorite activities and having Jared, Cheryl, and Parker there with us made it even more enjoyable.
(Cheryl is not pictured - she took the photo)
It was such a fun day. Being in Orange County for Thanksgiving made me want to retire there instead of Utah...at least for a few hours. I believe we will still retire in Utah, but the Southern California beach areas are certainly very tempting. Climate wise, you can't beat it!
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