This year, we enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving in Cincinnati, Ohio, where the weather made sure to remind us that autumn was well and truly over. Frosty mornings, chilly days, and the occasional snowy blizzard set the scene for a cozy holiday filled with family, food, and fun. The girls learned about Thanksgiving traditions, baking cookies and pumpkin pies, and burning off all that sugar with rounds of hide-and-seek and tag. The highlight for Will and me? Deep-frying two turkeys to golden perfection—no houses were burned in the process, thankfully!
A nighttime trip to the zoo turned out to be magical. Christmas lights illuminated the pathways, many shaped into animals, creating a beautiful winter wonderland. The hippos stole the show, surprisingly active and playful, offering us a rare glimpse of their personalities (A dedicated photo gallery is coming soon!). Tilly and Maggie had their first meeting with Santa and Mrs. Claus, with Tilly confidently asking for a yo-yo and dutifully checking in on the reindeer.
Gracie loved having yet another furry playmate around. Between their zoomies, the bustling house, and daily three-mile walks, all the dogs were exhausted by the end of each day, struggling to keep their eyes open.
A visit to Jungle Jim’s—a grocery store like no other—was an adventure in itself. With a full-sized train sticking out of the front, aisles packed with international foods, and quirky displays at every turn, it was a sensory overload in the best way. You’ll have to google it to believe it.
After a heartwarming Thanksgiving, we hit the road for Nashville. Along the way, we were incredibly fortunate to visit Churchill Downs, where we enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour of the horses, yards, and stables, courtesy of another of Will’s good friends. A jockey and part-time veterinarian, she was busy preparing for the upcoming racing season. Her bravery, strength and kindness serving as an inspiring role model for Tilly and Maggie, showcasing the strength and determination of a woman thriving in a traditionally male-dominated field. We look forward to seeing her again in the spring, to see more horses, foals and to see her race!
There, we reconnected with work friends, savored some authentic BBQ (more turkey and pork based in this area), and set out to experience the city’s legendary live music scene. However, the weather had other plans. Temperatures plunged well below freezing, giving us a crash course in winter RV’ing and the challenge of keeping two kids entertained in freezing conditions. Thankfully, our winterized trailer held up well, and the support of other RV’ers helped us stay safe and warm.
Despite the cold, we discovered one of the best playparks of our entire US trip—a bold claim considering the countless parks we’ve explored over the past year. We also took in the Christmas displays at Opryland, a sprawling indoor resort complete with gardens, conservatories, rivers, and waterfalls. Everything was decked out in glittering lights and festive décor.
As Christmas approaches and the cold weather pauses briefly, we pack up our Nashville adventure and head south back to Texas. It’s bittersweet to realise we’re closing the loop on our first big journey around the U.S., but the adventures aren’t over yet!
Our Adventures in Frames 
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