Thanksgiving 2016

We had another great Thanksgiving for the books.  It was fun thinking back to a year ago when Bridger was a sweet, little, newborn so fresh from heaven.  My what a difference a year makes!

2015

2016

Things were a bit different this year in that no one came into town for the big day.  We were all pretty bummed to be cousin-less, but we managed to have fun anyway and we're looking forward to seeing everyone at Christmas.  It's gonna be awesome!  We had a relaxed day of parade watching, food fixing, and just hanging around the house until heading to Mom and Dad's for our 4pm dinner.  We all took the opportunity to share some things we're thankful for as we ate together.  Braddock was hilarious and said something like, "Well, all I'm thankful for is TV!"  After dinner the boys made apple turkeys again this year and Bridger even snagged himself an apple.  We sure feel blessed for all that we have been given.  And five days later we're still eating pie.  It doesn't get much better than that!

Relief Society Christmas Craft Workshop

For eight years now I've been involved in the Christmas Craft Workshop in one way or another, but this year was different, this year I was in charge.  In hind-sight I may have taken the opportunity of having a bit more say in things and ran with it.  We ended up doing ten different crafts, three classes, and two meals before the day was done.  Despite the countless and inevitable hiccups along the way, overall it turned out great, but man was it a LOT of work.  We had tons of non-members that came, and we loved having them.  Many of them were asking if we do it every year so hopefully we'll see them again next year.

First up, the crafts...

 

The activity...

 With some wood chopping help from Dean, the centerpieces turned out so cute and so cheap!  Double win!

 A bagel bar and hot chocolate for breakfast.

 My partner in crime.  Without Shelley I could not have pulled this whole thing off! We make a good team.

  One of the classes was on festive holiday popcorn and cute ways to package it.  From what I hear it was amazing.  Thanks to Lisa Peacock and Megan Thompson who taught it!

The activity went from 9am-1pm and I taught craft classes the entire day.  It was long but I had so much fun and I felt like I was in my element.  Dean was gone all day for a Bishop's training with Elder Stevenson several hours away, so Dad was nice enough to take the boys for the day while Mom and I were at the Workshop.  Despite how fun the day was, my favorite part was returning home to my boys and being hugged and kissed (read: slobbered and licked all over) like crazy by Bridger.  I think he missed me just a little.  And now I'm just thrilled that it's over and we can re-claim our house and our lives.

Veterans Day

Last year we ventured out to the school just a day after my spinal headaches had gone away from Bridger's delivery for the Veterans Day program.  It was a great program but a little overwhelming in a hot gym with a tired body and a brand new baby.  Thank heavens that Grandma and Grandpa Hilton came along to help.  This year we asked PapPap if we could submit his name to be honored for his service, so the boys were extra excited to be able to introduce him.  Tanner got to be a part of the color guard in his scout uniform, and it was great for the boys to understand a little more about how blessed we are to live in this great nation.  The gym was still hot, and now I had a crazy one year old that wasn't too happy about sitting through the program, but Grandpa Nelson came to the rescue and took him out to walk the halls.  How grateful we are to the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our freedoms and liberties.

 Thanks for your service PapPap!

Thankful Turkeys 2016

Last week for Family Home Evening we put together our traditional "Thankful Turkeys."  I always love to see personalities come through when the boys are thinking and creating.  Braddock insisted that his turkey be gray unlike the rest of our more traditional brown turkeys.  He informed me that his is a zombie turkey.  That boy!  Although we should be mindful of our blessings all year long, how grateful I am for a time set specifically set aside to make sure we slow down and think about the many things we've been given.  And man have we been blessed with so very much.

 Bridger wasn't quite as thankful as some of us.  

 Even attempts to distract him with his birthday Cheetos from Great Grandma didn't quite do the trick.  Maybe next year thankful turkeys will be more his style.  

This year we're thankful for...

DAD: Technology, Andrea's Love, Ability to Fix Things, My Family, The Gospel, A Supportive Ward, My Job, Medication, Firm Pillows, Music

MOM: Our Home, The Gospel, My Savior, The Fall Leaves, Modern Medicine, Ice Cream, Good Friends, Sunsets, My Hot Hubby, Memories, and Family Time

TANNER: Earth, Mom, Siblings, Animals, Dad, Video Games, Heavenly Father, Jesus, Board Games.

LANDON: Mom, God, Jesus, Braddock, Dad, Tanner, Games, Bridger, Earth, and Food

BRADDOCK: Jesus, Toys & Stuff, Making Turkeys, Video Games, Kissing Mom, Bubbles, Board Games, and Parks

BRIDGER: Mom, Swinging, Mom, Food, Mom, Candy, Mom, Dad & Brothers, and in case you didn't  catch it...Mom!