Thanksgiving and Ray's Birthday

They asked me what I was most thankful for . . . with tears in my eyes, I just waved my hand and said, all of you - and that includes those in Michigan that we wish were here with us! I truly feel most blessed - what a beautiful family we have!

That broken arm didn't slow Charlie down one little bit

Danielle, Kourtni, (Sydni) Brittany and Ashton

Ally, Ashton and Charlie

We went out to a trampoline center for Ray's birthday and it is fun! Imagine 10,000 square feet of trampolines . . . they even go up the walls. They have a separate area for small children and lots of fun blow up slides as well. We had a terrific time! We went out to a trampoline center for Ray's birthday and it is fun! Imagine 10,000 square feet of trampolines . . . they even go up the walls. They have a separate area for small children and lots of fun blow up slides as well. We had a terrific time! Ray and Irene - are you sure you don't want to come and jump with me?

Now, that is what I like to see . . . all of the kids in the kitchen, working!
What a great bunch - I feel so blessed to have such wonderful children and they all married equally wonderful people . . . so we feel twice blessed! And with those beautiful grandchildren, make it thrice!

Ray, opening his presents on his birthday - the best gifts are all those cute grandchildren around him!

Aunt Megan helping Ashton build his Marble works.

So, we enjoy playing games together as a family . . . and most evenings, some afternoons and any free moments in between you are apt to find us gathered around the kitchen table in comptetive fun and laughter and an occasional grumpah as well. Ticket to Ride, Slide 5, Killer Bunnies, Settlers, Scrabble and Zion Check are a few of the games we enjoy. Brett was our scorekeeper and he went over the top to award us with gold trophies down to frayed ribbons, King of the Hill or Jack and Jill at the bottom, or Olympic medals down to plastic bracelets. Yes, yes I was at the very bottom of the hill in a heap of dust and was the proud owner of a plastic bracelet. Anyway, Brett's doodles were the hit of the holiday and now we will expect them at every competitive event!

Hmmm . . . I wonder where he learned this? Ashton out hitting a few balls on the front lawn.

Example is such a powerful teacher.Tiffany & Brett in the doubles tournament

The weather was so pleasant, we went and played tennis over at the park for a few hours while the children played on the slides and swings.

Sipping hot chocolate through TimTams. This was Ethan and Megan's competition - but those Tim Tams are SOSOO good, who wants to waste them with hot chocolate? I don't remember who actually was able to use them as straws but what a delectable treat!

Ray, Irene and Brad

Brad was in Salt Lake for a conference, so he drove out to join us for dinner one evening. It was fun to get to know Ray's brother, Brad a little better and to see Irene with her two of her three sons.

I love sunflowers, so this was one of my very favorite trees at the Festival.
On the way up to the airport, December 4, we stopped in to see the Festival of the Trees in Salt Lake City. The festival began 37 years ago as a way to raise funds for Primary Children's Hospital. It is an amazing event with over 800 decorated trees, wreaths, gingerbread houses, food and many homemade items for sale. My friends and I made some darling tutus for little girls and I had crocheted a baby afghan for the festival gift shoppe.

Another amazing tree at the festival was this one made of blown glass plates.