Cozy Sunday

Tonight we popped popcorn and watched "Joy to the World" and "A King is Born" as a family. During many moments of the movie I was overcome with the reality of the birth of our Savior. Also, I felt so blessed to be surrounded by my lovely children and adorable husband. Here's to another blessed Christmas season.

Thanksgiving Day

My brother, Ron, and his lovely family joined us this week for Thanksgiving. Here is our food. (I didn't get a picture of the turkey.)

Maisie slept through the entire feast.

Meg's first year sitting at the adult table.

Our cute cousins.

Digesting the feast while playing Wii afterward.


We had such a wonderful time together. Mostly we spent our days together on the floor playing and laughing with our children -- the children's ages of the families combined were: 7,5,4,3,2,1, and 6 months. Austin took the Guymons to "Bolt" and on a tour of our town. My favorite moments had to be that Ronnie and Andy were best friends. I sat with Ron and Rachelle and heard about their courtship. And, last night the adults stayed awaked quite late to play "Puerto Rico" and "Boggle."

The Ron and Rachelle Guymon family is so easy to have around; I learned a lot about love and patience, both Ron and Rachelle are so good to their kids.  I really learned from them.  Hooray for family!

Brining the Turkey

Austin made a delicious Thanksgiving turkey, but it took much preparation the night before. The children helped him brine the bird. All were so happy exploring the giblets, too. I actually had to help identify the bird parts, but it was easy thanks to my mad chicken gutting skills of yesteryear.

Popsicles

For two weeks the children have been eating popsicles for dinner; last night they were especially happy eating them together. Nick is completely tired of bland food, so his popsicle was melting nearby on the table.

 

Sunday Best

Most recent.


This week.


Two weeks ago.

 

Reality

We had such a nice time on vacation, but reality hit hard on Monday morning -- Austin and Meg were up and out the door early. Later while I was reading to Maisie and Andy, Nick came in telling me something. I followed his jabbers where he pointed to his spaceheater that he painted in toothpaste. I couldn't get mad because he seemed so happy to express himself. But I knew I was home sweet home again.

San Diego

Austin and I spent a lovely weekend in San Diego at the Hotel Del Coronado.

We ate lots of crazy food -- Austin's octopus.


We spent time in the temple.


We hiked the cliffs then walked the beaches of Torey Pines.


We rode bikes around Corornado island.


We met up with my best friend from home, her husband and darling baby.


We spent hours laying in the sand, playing in the ocean, and watching the sun set.



(The original brains behind the Del was a man by the name of Babcock. How fitting for our stay there.)


I loved being able to finish every sentence, eat without getting up, sleep until I was no longer tired, and reconnect with Austin. I know we were pretty lucky to end up with accommodations at the Del. Thank you to those who made it possible -- Pavs for watching our kids, Erin and Todd for a lovely dinner and splendid conversation, and channel 12.