Thanksgiving in Iowa

Yesterday morning, Neal and I woke up bright and early for our flight to Iowa. After much thought, we decided to bring Theodore with us, as it’s probably our only chance to travel with him since he’s still so small.

When we arrived at Regan airport, I grabbed some breakfast for Neal and I at Potbelly’s.  I was honestly thrilled when I saw that they had Steel Cut Oats as an option, so that’s what I ordered.  The oatmeal came topped with raisins and brown sugar… breakfast perfection!

Theodore did a fantastic job at the airport and during the flight.  He hates suitcases and trashcans on wheels, so the airport was just about his worst nightmare.  Still, he did great for a 5 month old.

Seeing Grandma when we arrived in Iowa was incredibly exciting, both for us and for Theodore.

After settling in, we headed to a restaurant in town for Thanksgiving lunch.  I’ll be perfectly honest with you, it was a pretty bad meal.  I hate saying that, but it really was.  I enjoyed the mashed potatoes, a few of Neal’s fries, and half a piece of pumpkin pie but steered away from the stuffing and turkey.  It may not have been the best Thanksgiving meal but as I sat there I couldn’t help but love sitting next to Neal and having wonderful conversation with Neal’s parents.  I was grateful for the family I was with and for being in Iowa.

After lunch, Neal and I took Theodore for a long walk around the town of Grinnell.

I love how simple things are here.  It’s quite and simple, the exact opposite of Washington, DC.

And I mean come on, could this main street be any cuter?

It’s also made me realize how little grass we have around our place in DC.  Theodore loved being able to roam free and enjoyed the wide open spaces.

Though Neal and I love living in Washington, DC, there are aspects of Iowa that I love and wish we could be a part of daily.

After our walk we all settled in to watch some football and relax.  We also enjoyed some fantastic potato soup for dinner, made by Neal’s mom.  It hit the spot!

Despite the fact that Neal and I didn’t need a thing, we headed over to Walmart at 7:45PM for the 8PM doorbusters.

Walmart was PACKED, which was to be excepted, but I was shocked not to see a line of people outside the store.

At this Walmart, customers were allowed inside but the doorbusters were blocked off and taped up until 8PM.

Esentially customers would come inside and then stalk the items they wanted until 8PM on the dot.

At 8PM, Walmart employees would open the bins and/or cut open the packaging on the sale items.

When the clock struck 8PM people went nuts!! Neal and I were standing by the DVDs sales and just couldn’t believe how crazy people were.  The truth is, people were just buying to buy.  It was a little sick but I think that’s why I go each year.  Although I don’t need anything, I love seeing how crazy people can be.

All in all it was a wonderful Thanksgiving day.  I loved spending time with Neal and Theodore, arriving in Iowa to see Neal’s parents, and doing some of my favorite Thanksgiving Day traditions.

Today Neal and I are attending the Iowa vs. Nebraska football game and then I’m hoping to get some outlet shopping in before heading back to Neal’s parents.

I hope y’all had a fantastic Thanksgiving!!

Do you go Black Friday shopping?  What do you think about stores opening on Thursdays now?

Tagged with: Black Friday • Grinnell • Iowa • Thanksgiving • travel

Filed under: Holidays • Theodore • Travel

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