Happy Thanksgiving !!

First off let me extend a Happy Thanksgiving to all my readers. My hope is you had a great day with family and friends.

My family has a connection to the first thanksgiving feast. My father's side of the family comes through William White. He died the first winter, so he may have been at the feast with the Native Americans. He did have two sons, Resolved, and Peregrine with his wife, Susanna. She remarried Governor Edward Winslow a few months after William's passing. This was the first marriage to occur at Plymouth.

The General Society of Mayflower Descendants in its by laws does not recognize linage by adoption. So my name will not appear on an official list. I'm just proud of my father, and to know our history.

My Thanksgiving was more modern, and had the flare that only Las Vegas can add.

First of all the weather was very strange. The Last few days have been gray, cloudy, and rainy most of the time. As we are in a drought, we needed the rain badly. I do have to say that I can't remember a storm lasting this long, and leaving this much rain in my 9 years living in Las Vegas.

Ever since I was a child, a big part of this holiday celebration was watching Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Even with the 3 hour time difference, it a must for me. This was the 82nd year for the parade famous for its giant balloons. Below is a collage that I got off the Internet.

We watched the parade together. We also copy it unto the DVR, so we can watch it again. I'm glad to be passing on this tradition to my children. I hope we have many years watching together as a family.

Normally Football would be part of this day, but my team, The New England Patriots weren't playing. I had little or no interest in the two games offered, so I passed on it for this year. The NFL can do much better.

We meet Grandpa Johnson at Sam's Town Hotel & Gambling Hall. We where going to have dinner at the Firelight Buffet. This is one of favorite places for celebration on the holidays. You can see a picture of sign on above right.

I had the traditional turkey with all the fixings on my first plate. Then got into the more interesting choices with pheasant, apple glazed pork chop, egg roll, black pepper chicken, toasta, taco salad, and white fish in an orange sauce.

The Firelight Buffet has an ice sculpture and a chocolate fountain to dip strawberries and / or cream puffs into. I did just that for my dessert.

Also there was free champagne, which was really an American sparkling wine, know as Asti Spumoni, and Margarita. As my ex father in law is Mormon, I was the only drinking. I did take a bit of advantage of this.

After dinner, we took a walk in Sam's Town indoor park. They have animatronic animals. My Children loved the bear, wolf, deer, chipmunk, and beaver.

They also have a daily water and laser light show. The change the graphics and music to fit the season. I didn't recognize the holiday music, it was instrumental, and I had my daughter squeals of delight as well. I was watching her as she stood on a fake rock to see the show over the people in front of her. My son was closer with his grandfather.

They also ended the show with two patriotic songs, as Sam's Town has done since September 11, 2001. Las Vegas is home to Nellis Air Force Base, so a lot of military and their families stay there when visiting. Tonight they played, Where The Stars and Stripes & Eagles Fly, and God Bless The USA.

When we got home, we got and made calls from family and close friends. The Children and I talked with my Brother Joe and his wife, My Parents, Wendy Wheeler, Rozale Johnson, Arva Johnson, Steffanie Johnson, and James Johnson.

I also got facebook to thank some friends for their kind Thanksgiving messages. I sent greetings through facebook, meet-up.com, IMs, e-mail and text message as well.

What a wonderful Day!