Our New York City Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. It has all of the things that make me incredibly happy: friends, family, delicious food, desserts, and time to reflect on all that I am thankful for. Oh, and one heck of a parade. Brian, Emily, and I spent our third Thanksgiving together as a family of three and had a wonderful day celebrating all that we are grateful for.

We began our Thanksgiving festivities with a quick stop at d-lite donuts. This year, someone had a very loose front tooth that was wiggled throughout the day.

We enjoyed honey dip and chocolate frosted donuts as we rode the R train into Manhattan. By the time we were done with breakfast, it is time to get off the train and make our way out of the 57th Street station. We weaved our way through thick crowds of people and found the perfect viewing spot on 7th Avenue. And then we excitedly waited, anticipating the balloons, music, and floats that would soon arrive.

Excitement grew as the parade approached, and once the first wave of police motorcycles drove through cheers could be heard up and down Seventh Avenue. A few minutes later, the parade officially arrived with the Macy's star balloons and a booming marching band. No matter how many times I have seen the Macy's parade travel down my favorite New York City Streets, I am always in awe. I feel like a kid again when my face lights up and I cheer as each balloon flies overhead.

It is a magical experience to be at the Thanksgiving Day parade.

We made our way back to Queens half way through the parade to start cooking our feast. I slowly sipped coffee as I watched the parade a second time on TV (once is just not enough...). Emily danced around, mimicking the moves of each Broadway performance and Rockette dancer. We played Monopoly Junior and Chutes and Ladders as our turkey slowly cooked throughout the afternoon.

By nightfall, our feast was ready. As always, Brian did an amazing job cooking all of my favorite Thanksgiving favorites: dates wrapped in bacon, mashed potatoes, stuffing that tasted just like my Grandma Carter's, and a perfectly prepared organic turkey.

My holiday concluded with my family's annual Secret Santa draw. I am so thankful for Skype, which allowed me to talk to my family in Minnesota and Austin all at the same time.

I have so much to be thankful for this year. I am grateful for my amazing family and friends, who support me in everything that I do. I am grateful for Brian and his unconditional love. I am grateful for a career that challenges me, excites me, and brings purpose to my life. And I am grateful to live in a place that constantly inspires me. I feel truly blessed.