We Give Thanks

This year we hosted Thanksgiving dinner in our new house. It was the Holt's turn this year so my parents, the Quarnberg clan, and the McKnights came down. We were missing the Willes crew and Geoff, Alanna, and Alex. We had a great dinner--turkey, yams, mashed potatoes, raspberry salad, rolls, deviled eggs, stuffing, and pies. Everything was so delicious. The boys helped clean up our yard a little bit while the girls cooked and set the table. After dinner we just relaxed, watched football, and played games.

Carlee, taste-testing the deviled eggs

Clark calls for the turkey leg

Katelyn made the placecards for our table


Cooking the stuffing

Aunt Jenn and Clark devilling the eggs

Our Thanksgiving feast

Our Thanksgiving table

On Black Friday, the boys headed out to pick up some furniture and check out the shopping deals. We even hit the outlet malls later in the afternoon. It was crowded but not too bad. I was just overwhelmed by how messy the stores were. It is hard for me to shop like that so we decided to go to Bass Pro Shop. That was the place to be. It wasn't crowded and it was all decked out for Christmas. The kids even got to sit on Mr. and Mrs. Claus' lap. One of the entrances to the shop also goes into the Silverton Casino and there is a big aquarium there. Inside was a live mermaid swimming around and she was entertaining guests with flips and air-blown kisses. The kids thought it was so cool.

We also went to the Four Seasons Hotel and looked at the gingerbread house display. It was different than expected (I had built up in my head some big village that you walk through) but still neat in that everything was made out of candy and there were some really creative buildings.

It was a great weekend with family and we are so thankful for them. We also got the big announcement that Jenn and Kyle are expecting their first baby! We can't wait!

This year we are most grateful for:
-A smooth transition to a new home
-Family members joining us for Thanksgiving
-Happy healthy children
-Happy healthy parents
-The gospel
-Fun church callings we enjoy
-A good school
-Good friends
-A fun neighborhood
-A nice big yard with grass
-Having fun together
-Going to stores
-Eating out
-Getting ice cream
-Watching movies
-Going on bike rides
-Going on walks
-Just living a happy life