We had the pleasure of returning to the W’s home to capture some holiday moments with this sweet family. You may remember baby Veronica, though she’s grown quite a bit since we last saw her. This time she was able to wiggle and squirm her way out of photos, so we had to be quick on our feet and owe many of her smiles to a handy little squeak toy. Thanks again to the W family – we were honored to be invited for a repeat photo session, and we hope you all like the results as much as we do.

The gallery is password protected, but if you know them, be sure to ask for the password to see the complete set.

Thanksgiving at Dad’s has been a tradition for almost ten years. Autumn and I haven’t gone every year, but we do try to make it when we can. Usually it’s a festive occasion with our extended family from Ohio, but this year it was just the four of us, three cats, and a dog.

Autumn and I drove up on Tuesday. Other than spending time with Dad and Sharon, there are two parts of going to Dad’s that we both enjoy: happy hour at Calhoun’s and the drive though the Smoky Mountain National Park. The latter was especially cool when we were on the motorcycle, and the former was especially cool when we weren’t on the motorcycle. You know, so we could drink the beers that their partner, the Smoky Mountain Brewery, brews. I particularly like the Appalachian Pale Ale. Anyway, during happy hour, the beers are $2. Need I say more?

Spending time with Dad and Sharon is always the highlight of the trip. We drink, eat, and listen to Dad’s stories. I’m the only liberal in the family, so they listen to my weird political points of view, and we drink more. It’s always a great time. We also get to hang with the cats: Bill Bailey (who reminds me of my boy Apollo), Pearl (named after some basketball coach), and little Puke. The latter is a relatively new addition, and I’m trying to get Autumn to let us adopt her. Help me talk her into it, won’t you?

Each of us helped with the turkey day preparation: Dad cooked the turkey on his Big Green Egg; Autumn made her requisite green bean casserole, but with Brussels sprouts (yum!) and an awesome cranberry sauce; I made the stuffing; and Sharon made everything else. It was all pretty damn tasty.

And of course I had the camera out a bit. Here are some highlights.

Thanks, again, to Dad and Sharon. We always have such a great time with you guys. I know Autumn is easy to hang out with, but I’m always a challenge. Thanks for asking us back.

Autumn and I always love visiting Dad and Sharon; we always eat well, drink well, have great conversations, and generally relaxing days. This shot was from my last visit with Dad. It was only he and I for a couple of days, so we were able to get some good father-son time in. I even helped by shooting a wedding for him.

Check out the Pigeon Forge gallery.