If you had asked me a couple of weeks ago what we were doing for Thanksgiving I would’ve told you it would be much different this year. Brannon and I had it in our heads that we would be in our little home, we’d make a run to Trader Joe’s for our Thanksgiving Feast, and we’d spend the day relaxing and watching Christmas movies. Sounds fun, but it would be the first time we wouldn’t see any family for Thanksgiving. We are big family people so while we’d be fine, we were both a little bummed.

Due to a last minute change in our schedule, the week before Thanksgiving, we found ourselves in Virginia the week of Thanksgiving. Guess what? I have a first cousin – once removed (someone has had to explain this to me so many times), that lives in Lynchburg, VA with her husband and 3 kids! We actually work together on a magazine that she owns in Lynchburg, VA, and we had planned on stopping by during our travels, but never did we think it would land on Thanksgiving. They graciously took us in – and we had such a wonderful time.

So, the magazine that we work on together is all about the community of Lynchburg (and surrounding towns). I am the creative director for the magazine, which means that I put together all the pieces that go into the magazine and make sure everything looks good! If you’ve followed me for a while you know that layout design is my absolute favorite, and the magazine is all about supporting local, small businesses. It’s so much fun! So to be able to visit Lynchburg was so great because we took a drive around the town so Jennifer could show me all the places that I’ve been seeing in the magazine for the past year.

Lynchburg is such a cute city, with a growing downtown full of small businesses, coffee shops, and local restaurants — heaven! Their house was built in the 1920’s, full of character and charm, and within walking distance of little shops and restaurants. When you pair that with a room full of kittens that they’re fostering, time with family I haven’t seen in ages, and a delicious Thanksgiving meal — you have a wonderful holiday!

So Jennifer and Earl – thank you for inviting these two Traveling Pairs into your home, and Hadley, thanks for letting us stay in your room for a couple of nights! We had a wonderful time, and I’m so thankful that our travels are giving us the opportunity to reconnect with friends and family.

Isn’t it funny how when you’re caught up in the moment how you forget to take pictures? Can’t believe I didn’t get a picture of us all together!

Also – I fell in l-o-v-e with Virginia. I’ll be sharing pictures of our time in Richmond soon. If you haven’t been, you must!