Thanksgiving Day
(Thursday November 27, 2009)
Thanksgiving dawned early for those who were up with the birds to take part in the Michael Bratton II Turkey Trot at Nevada Union High School. Guy, Vicky, Timmy, Amanda, Brent and more DeMartini cousins were up and at it, while Margie and Tim were up with Dave in his airplane flying over those still sleeping. I dreamed about a strange buzzing above us. Was it a bird, a plane or an unidentified flying object? Anyway, check out the link above to see the wonderful photos they took of Grass Valley and the surrounding area from the air.
Before he passed away, Michael Bratton and his friends had discussed the idea of starting a Turkey Trot in the area. About 900 people pre-registered for the race, while organizers estimated 1,400 people showed up to participate. “It was the best one yet. We had more people than ever,” said Mike Bratton, who organized the race in memory of his son of the same name, who died in 2006 at the age of 25. The race began in Hooper Stadium at Nevada Union High School, Grass Valley. Runners included children and senior adults, and some onlookers wore homemade headbands with paper turkey feathers as a nod to the holiday. Proceeds from the event benefit local organizations including Nevada Union football and Anew Day, a faith-based counseling center focused on treating people with depression. It's becoming a tradition with some of those in our family who were friends with Michael.
Following the Turkey Trot and airplane ride, the bunch moved on up to the lake to do a little trap shooting. Everyone always gets a kick out of it. Maybe it's a symbolic way of getting rid of frustrations and showing off at the same time. And then again, it may have the opposite effect if you can't ever hit the target.
By now it's getting close to dinnertime when everyone will be showing up with their special dish. That's really something to look forward to, and be thankful for.
Hmmm....Looks like a tall tale unwinding. Fishing or hunting?
That's a mighty fine looking piece of pumpkin pie...
You can't see what the commotion's about, but I think it's lil' Maggie threatening Amanda's bootie.
Papa's watching a movie in between the distracting giggles and laughs whenever these three get together. Our family gatherings are always so much fun...and this has truly been a day of thanksgiving for the abundance, goodness, family and friends God has blessed us with.
