Helping Grandpa

It must be in their genes.  My boys sure do love to help Grandpa  - and anything that has to do with the tractor.

Thanksgiving Week 2012

Our Thanksgiving Feast

We were anxious to scurry off to Utah to be with my family for Thanksgiving – ALL together for the first time in 4 years. You think it would be easy when all of my siblings live there (but me and Marcie), but it hasn’t.  In fact, our kids were excited when they found out that Ryan was coming with us!

We had a whole week together and we certainly maximized our time. We arrived Saturday and all the adults headed out for dinner. Sunday, we attended a few wards for talks, primary, and priesthood ordinations, then gathering at Patti and Ben’s for treats and games in the evening.

Monday afternoon, we went up to Herriman to visit Ryan’s cousin’s family, aunt, uncle and Grandma Didi. From there, for family home evening and Gma and Gpa’s gift exchange, we went to Micki and Spencer’s new home – purchased two weeks previous. A beautiful home easily accommodating all 43 of us. Sitting there, I realized that this very could be the last time as we’re all together for a long time. Now that we have nephews that are (and very soon will be) missionary eligible. I still ask myself how that is even possible, but they are. This thought prompted the following pictures. I think I took over a hundred.

Also, some pictures of Gma and Gpa giving the kids their Christmas gifts. (Remember, we celebrate Christmas every year together – whether at Christmas or Thanksgiving.)

Tuesday evening, was the highlight of the whole trip for me. The adults all drove up to the Mt. Timpanogas Temple to do sealings.  The first time all together, all in white with my Dad performing the sealings. My dad’s cousin, Uncle Neil, had brought in family names. It was amazing and the Spirit was strong. I appreciated my Dad’s tenderness as his voice broke with each couple kneeling at the alter.  Such an incredible experience and surely one I will always treasure.

Wednesday, we got it on at the church gym playing some ball. Basketball and volleyball. We’re a fun bunch. Not a timely bunch as we had the gym booked from 9-5 and we all showed up at 2, but oh well. AND, I’m pretty sure my volleyball team won the CHAMPIONSHIP OF THE WORLD.

Thanksgiving day, we drove down to Jeannie and Brent’s new home. Another gorgeous home boasting 8,000 square feet. (I’m sure they appreciate me sharing that…).  We had plenty of room to eat, play video games, ping pong, Spazz, Wacky Sixes, enjoy a small talent show and have a dance party. Fun and more fun.

Friday, some folks went shooting in the morning ( I would have gone had I known I’d have to take 5 girls to the mall on Black Friday.  I didn’t swear out loud but I did give someone the what for when they pulled out in front of me on the way home. I’m sure my blood pressure was through the roof that morning. Me + a mall + Black Friday shopping + gobs of people everywhere = kill.me.now.) Friday took us back down to Jeannie’s for leftovers. The adults snuck away for dinner and a movie.

Saturday, we peeled our children off their grandparents and cousins and made the long, sad drive home. There are always tears and questions of when we’re coming back – the kids cried, too.

What a wonderful week. I always love being with my family. I’m so grateful for such wonderful parents. It was a few years ago, I was driving alone with my Dad in the car. I was asking him how it felt to have his kids get along so well. He explained how satisfying it was to not only have kids that love each other, but LIKE each other and really enjoy being with one another.

Agreed.

Me and my brother, John

Cousin Love