Palin spends Thanksgiving with family in Richland

Sarah Palin is spending Thanksgiving with relatives in Richland, Wash., before resuming her nationwide book tour over the weekend.

The Tri-City Herald reports Palin arrived late Wednesday from Orlando, Fla. The former Republican vice-presidential candidate planned to have dinner at the Richland home of her aunt Katie Johnson, a sister of Palin's mother.

Palin's grandparents, Clem and Helen Sheeran, moved to Richland in 1943 so he could work at the Hanford nuclear reservation.

"It's kind of surreal. But it's really good to be back in the Tri-Cities to reconnect with the roots," Palin told reporters after touching down in a private jet. "I like the wonderful chaos of the family (at Thanksgiving.)"

Palin on Thursday was planning to run a 5K race to benefit the Red Cross.

About 25 Palin relatives had registered for the annual Turkey Trot at Kennewick's Columbia Park, said Heather Filbin of the Benton-Franklin Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Palin resumes her book tour Sunday, signing copies of "Going Rogue" at a book store in Richland.

Palin said her last visit to the area was about a year ago.

"I like the summer here," said Palin, who was accompanied by her son Trig and daughter Piper.

She said her husband, Todd, was back home, "fixing the roof."

Palin said she's thankful for the safe return of her son Track from Iraq.