Thanksgiving in Sacramento, CA
November 25-30, 2003

It's been tradition since the mid-80s in my Dad's side of the family that we get together at Thanksgiving for our annual family reunion. We're spread out all across the country, so we pick a random city each year and all meet there (this year was Sacramento). In the past few years our gatherings have seemed quite large and growing with the addition of my brother's wife in 98 and cousin Meghan's new husband in 2001. This Thanksgiving was a little different than usual. It was the first reunion since my cousin's death and my aunt decided to stay home (holidays can be an understandably difficult time in the grieving process). Another cousin also decided to stay home this year, so for the first time in a while it felt a little different and a little smaller. It was great getting to see the family that was there... it's always nice to spend time with Grandpa, my parents, my brother and wife, and the rest of the relatives. I didn't take tons of photos from the weekend, but here are a few. Enjoy!

Thanksgiving Dinner
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Gift Exchange Game (you know... pick a number, then you get to pick a mystery wrapped gift or steal from someone who's already unwrapped a gift)
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We rode the Old Sacramento Steam Train for a relaxing afternoon. The train ride along the river was nice... the pervy creepy Santa was to be avoided.
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Drive through Napa Valley
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Robert Mondavi Winery Tour and Tasting! It was only $10 for the hour long tour and 4 tastings... not a bad deal. It was also very informative and very pretty. :)
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Fancy dinner at the Firehouse Restaurant in Old Sacramento. The building used to be the fire house (since the name) and came complete with a brass fire pole from the second floor to the ground floor. Kinda fun! We ate downstairs in the vault (now a private party room, but still complete with original locking gate over door, narrow staircase, and locking vault door. Scary, but fun!
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Next year Thanksgiving will be at my uncle's house in Naples, FL
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Past Gatherings (when I can remember the cities):
2003 - Sacramento, CA
2002 - San Diego, CA
2001 - Las Vegas, NV
2000 - Phoenix, AZ
1999 - Austin, TX
1998 - Naples, FL
1997 - Phoenix, AZ
1996 - Parker, SD
1994 - Des Moines, IA
1991 - Los Angeles, CA
1989 - ? South Padre Island ?
1988 - Parker, SD
1987 - Tulsa, OK
1986 - Sunriver, OR
1985 - Parker, SD
1983 - Newport, MN

The End!