I grew up in northern suburbs of Chicago.
You know all the John Hughes\’ films like Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club and Weird Science?
They were either filmed or supposed to have taken place in the region where I was raised.
In fact, there is a scene in Ferris Bueller\’s Day Off that was filmed outside my old high school, Glenbrook North. Ferris\’ sister is outside the school and a bunch of kids are running on the track wearing green and gold. I remember that green and gold all too well…
Anyhow, I attended college at the University of Illinois in Champaign/Urbana, and subsequently left the state for Texas.
After getting married and having two children in The Lone Star State, I spent eight years in Central Oklahoma.
In 2007, we settled in to northern Colorado.
I am, as they say, \”the one that got away.\”
But if there is one thing that has remained constant, it is the annual trip back to the Chicagoland area for Thanksgiving with my family.
With only a few years in memory being the exception, this is a tradition that I do not miss.
my mother (Sheila Simkin of TravelsWithSheila.com) has continued to cook a fabulous turkey with dressing, twice-baked potatos, green bean casserole, corn and all the other goodies for more years than I can count.
And as usual, my brother and sisters, along with all the nieces and nephews, enjoy seeing each others and pigging out on the feast.
Mom has put together a video which captures the essence of our holiday get-together.
We\’re a pretty loud bunch.
See if you can spot me, @marycomm and my kids.
You should also be able to easily pick out my brother. I lost the mustache and goatee. He kept his.
Thanks to my mother for once again hosting a wonderful Thanksgiving meal!