Thanksgiving this year was spent beach side – again (See last year’s trip to Myrtle Beach here!). And I’m SO grateful. I love hearing the waves crash, smelling the salt air and munching on pies + turkey. We visited Virginia Beach this year because my sister + aunt live down there. We had a wonderful weekend playing games, making crafts, having dinner at my aunt’s, having a great fancy dinner in the restaurant and viewing the holiday boardwalk lights! Having Thanksgiving away from home the last few years has taught me that it’s so important to focus on the people around us – that’s the reason we celebrate these holidays! 

Ryan and I arrived on Wednesday afternoon. We headed over to my aunt’s to help set up for dinner + prep our meal. And of course, meet this cutie pie, Finn the cat!! We spent the rest of the evening playing some games together, drinking wine (of course!) and making crafts for our dinner celebration! 

Thanksgiving was wonderful – good food, lots of laughter and love. Afterwards, we headed over to my sister’s to help her decorate for Christmas. We managed to get her tree put together then helped with lights + ornaments plus decorating her apartment. My aunt got my mom, sister + me hooked on a new app: Design Home (you literally design rooms + people vote on it)! It’s amazing. The holidays officially kicked off for the Dowler family Friday night!!

Our turkeys + owls for decoration on Thanksgiving day! 

On Friday, we spent the day just relaxing! Ryan and I took several walks on the boardwalk together, with my parents + grandparents and enjoyed breakfast at Pocahontas Pancakes + lunch together at Lager Heads – both so worth a try if you’re in the area! That night we had a delicious meal in our hotel’s fancy restaurant before heading out to drive the boardwalk + see the lights. Oh my goodness, if you’ve never seen the lights – DO IT! We hadn’t done it in years. No really. Years. It’s SO MUCH FUN!!! I didn’t take too many pictures since I was just enjoying them, but they’re so worth seeing! 

As you can see, our holiday break was wonderful. I am so thankful (every year but especially this one) for my family, my husband + everyone’s health. I am thankful for being able to travel + enjoy weekends like this one. I am thankful for the beach + salt air. I am SO thankful for my clients – who help make my dreams come true every day they support my business + I am so thankful for all of the support. I am eternally grateful to the men and women out protecting us – who couldn’t be home with us this holiday. Your sacrifice is never forgotten.  

I hope that everyone had a lovely holiday + I can’t wait to see all the pictures as holiday decorations go up around us! Keep your eyes peeled for a new series hitting the blog this December for the holidays! It’s gonna be great! 

XOXO,

Kristina 

I LOVE traveling! Catch up on other adventures here!

Domestic: Charleston SC | Disneyland | Disneyland (Honeymoon tips) | Outer Banks NC | 

Colonial Beach VA  | Disneyland 

International: International Friends (Serbia) | Bermuda | The Bahamas

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