Thanksgiving, Part 1

For Thanksgiving this year, we decided to make the trek to Wyoming again. We were able to take our van this year (thank you to Brandon for bringing the wheat back for us!), so it wasn't quite as crowded as the truck. We also didn't have McKay with us for the drive there. McKay decided he didn't want to miss any school, so he stayed here for a couple of extra days and then rode up with Brandon later in the week. Hannah made several comments during the trip that it was strange not to have McKay.

The kids were excited to see some snow in Star Valley, even though there wasn't a ton (which is probably good, since we really don't have the snow clothes for them to play in it much). As we started to see snow on the drive there, the girls kept exclaiming over and over again about how it was the most beautiful thing they had ever seen and they had never seen such beautiful snow.

Grandma's house is always fun too, with lots of cousins to play with. We were excited to meet our newest cousin/niece, baby Zoey.

Grandma was brave and took on the project of letting all the little girls help make cookies.

When McKay joined us, he and Brian spent some time splitting wood for Brian's parents.

Courtney and Hannah were great helpers stacking the wood.

For Thanksgiving dinner, 4 of the 8 siblings in Brian's family were there with their families. We were able to see 2 more of the siblings the next day before we left.

Even more girl cousins (or cousins-once-removed) to play with! The little girls had such fun playing together.

Brian and McKay were in charge of the homemade rootbeer. Yummy!

Brandon made several snazzy-looking apple creations.

We all ate too much, as usual. Well, except maybe for Hannah who even at Thanksgiving is as picky as ever.

Everybody needs a nap after dinner, especially Grandpa!

After dinner, the kids (and a few brave adults) played the paper bag game where you have to stand on one foot, bend over and pick up a paper bag with your teeth, then stand back up again without losing your balance. The bag gets cut smaller and smaller each round. Brian used to be a champion at this game in his younger days.

It's always nice to get away from your worries for a bit and just hang out with family at Grandpa and Grandma's house. We didn't make the trip up the mountain this year to cut Christmas trees, but we sure enjoyed our time in Wyoming!