We're Baaack!

The beautiful red-rock hills in back of Kelly's mom's house

I haven't blogged in so long that I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed at trying to catch up. We just got back from our Arizona/Utah Thanksgiving trip. We spent the first few days in Arizona, at Kelly's Mom's new house. I'm so happy that she finally has a home of her own. Kelly spent most of his time there working out in her yard helping to finish a rock retaining wall made out of the foundation stones of his grandparent's house that was originally on that lot. It turned out looking so great (of course, I forgot to take a picture of the finished product). Kelly had so much fun driving around in the Bobcat leveling things out. He had to give all the kids a ride:) We also enjoyed seeing most of Kelly's family, the only one we missed was his oldest sister who lives in Texas.

We headed up to Utah on Wednesday to spend Thanksgiving with my side of the family. My grandparents reserved their church and we had most of their kids and a lot of their grand kids there. It was so nice to see everyone, especially since we live so far away and don't see them very often. My aunt and uncle brought a bunch of scooters and balls, so we had some pretty mean games of dodge ball, basketball, and the kids had races with the scooters. After we got the cultural hall back in order we headed over to my Uncle Brent's house to hang out. The boys watched football, the girls chatted, and the kids (grown-up kids too) played "Guitar Hero," we all had a blast!

We spent the remaining days at my sister's house. On Friday Mel, my mom, and I did a little shopping, I finished up for my family so I wouldn't have to mail stuff later. In the afternoon we headed to Salt Lake to see the Joseph Smith movie at the JS Memorial Building and then walk around Temple Square to see the lights. It was so busy and cold that we just wanted to get out of there. We went to "The Pantry" at the Lion House to eat afterwards. It wasn't very busy, but the line took forever since the ran out of food on the opening night of the Temple lights!! Can you believe that? Oh, I forgot to mention the fender bender we got into in Park City on our way to SLC. That might account for the impatience we were feeling with the crowds and lines. I'm grateful we have a big car and that nothing serious happened. We were following my aunt and uncle who were following my sister and her husband. A car slammed on their brakes in front of my sister who barely missed the car, my uncle slammed on his brakes who barely missed my sister and we slammed on our brakes and hit my uncle who then hit my sister. It sucks, but at least no one was hurt and we're grateful for insurance:)

Saturday, we attempted to get an extended family picture. We did outdoor shots early in the morning. It was freezing cold, so the babies were very grumpy, as were some of the adults:) Hopefully we got some shots that will work. Kelly and Riley were able to get tickets to the BYU/Utah football game and went with my uncle. My little sister Rachel and her boyfriend, Brandon watched Bronson and Hannah while the rest of us took the older kids to see "Enchanted" we really enjoyed it, although it was a bit scary to Nalani and Maika. After that we picked up some Papa Murphy's, it was definitely a pizza night!

I'm so grateful for our family. We always have a great time seeing everyone and the kids absolutely love being with their cousins! Logan was crying because she didn't want to leave, they always ask if we can move to Utah for a couple weeks after we get back:) Thanks to everyone who let us crash in their houses and eat their food! You all always take good care of us when we visit. We love you! I hope everyone else had a great Thanksgiving too!