A Tale of Two States

It was the best of my Thanksgivings, it was the worst of my Thanksgivings... because it was the first of my Thanksgivings. 

Thanksgiving day began with breakfast at the Hassons' in Louisville, Kentucky, but before we could eat we had to work for it.  

I slaved away for what felt like at least a whole minute crushing strawberries. 

They looked pretty good next to the Mickey waffle. Yes, Disney is everywhere. 

Paige cut up apples we forgot to eat and made some strong mimosas. My three sips were more than enough. 

Then we completed our breakfasts with some Derby pie. It's filled with nuts, chocolate and deliciousness. 

Paige put on the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade on one channel, but there were too many commercials, so changed the channel. 

Turns out we were watching the underrated Detroit parade.

The time arrived to take my first Thanksgiving to the next state - Indiana, to be exact.

We also travelled into a state of being far too full. 

While driving there was a dip. I hoped for guacamole, instead it was a dip in the road that surprised us even though we'd been warned. 

I was introduced to about 3200 members of Paige's family. 

She explained the family tree and at the time I understood, but now... I'm not so sure who they all were. But they were all very welcoming and provided delicious Thanksgiving food. 

There was one food whipped up by Paige's grandma (Judy) that I'd never seen before. I told some people about it when I got back to Orlando and apparently it's a thing. Sweet potato... with...

...wait for it...

marshmallows. 

I was equally intrigued and pleasantly surprised. I was only completely stuffed, so it was time for cake and pies!

Judy's birthday cake and a whole heap of pies were offered. 

I accepted a sample of everything... all for the blog, of course. 

Judy sliced her cake and offered a little more than just a sample. 

That's just two slices... on a dinner plate. 

The pecan pie was the best out of a stellar selection that lived up to my pie hopes. 

We captured a few Hasson family photos then travelled back to Kentucky. 

After we developed our food comas it was time to drive back to Kentucky, not to sleep, but for a spot of Black Friday shopping... on a Thursday. 

Yep, makes perfect sense to offer crazy bargains the night of Thankgivings. I was a little tired, but my dear we were still good buying and it was time to hit up Old Navy, much to the dismay of Mom Hasson. 

After a DFEM (Dessert For Every Meal) derby pie breakfast and 10 Things I Hate About You I farewelled my second American home and first adopted American family. I'll be back in January as one of my final stops before I head home to Australia. I can't believe my American adventures will be ending so soon, but before they do I have plenty more to blog about.