Franksgiving 2013

This year we went to beautiful Montreat for the Franksgiving gathering.  From Wednesday until Saturday, we visited, played, ate, talked, walked, ran, hiked, cooked, baked, and enjoyed the beauty of Montreat and Black Mountain.

Bright and early Slightly before noon on Thanksgiving, the entire family (21 members without David, Ali, and Andrew) assembled outside for a brisk 5K Turkey Trot, mapped and designed by Uncle Al (with t-shirts and everything!).

 After getting some basic stretching out of the way....

 .... we were ready to begin en masse.

Once we started, we quickly found our own paces, and in some cases, our own routes.  Somehow we all made it back fully challenged and ready to eat some lunch.... and later, some turkey.

The cooking -- and eating-- then began in earnest.

In the midst of it all, we paused briefly to remember some of the things we're thankful for.

Friday morning, once again at the crack of dawn almost noon, we got ourselves together enough to attempt a hike straight up the mountain.

 And we made it to the top!

In between the various outings, we found plenty of time to lounge around and enjoy time together as a family (and eat some more).

 And, of course, try to get the big family photo.

All in all, I think we all came back feeling stronger and happier after time with family.  :)