The fun never ends

Warning!! If you visit us, it's non stop fun. I don't know if I've always been like this or if it's my ADD husband that is the motivator, but we don't do a lot of sitting at our house. The day after Thanksgiving was no exception.That morning we were off to the trian park in Scottsdale for a little choo choo fun. I think everyone in Arizona thought it would be fun to go too, usually we are some of the only people there, but nonetheless it was still a great time. In the afternoon the girls went shopping and found some great deals. That night we went out to an "adult dinner" at Bonefish Grill which we love (If you live in AZ, you must go!). It was so fun to have some uninterrupted chit chat. And, my boys had their first sleepover since cousin Ezra went right to bed with them. The next morning Jace and Parks woke up at 6 and Ezzie slept till 8:30. He was the perfect overnight guest!

No post turkey nap

Not for us anyway. After a quick clean up (we had fancy turkey paper plates) the ASU football game was turned on and we watched our Devils get gobbled up by USC. Bummer. The highlight of the evening though was making turkey cookies, which has become one of our traditions since Grandma started it a few years ago. They look cute but taste gross, so I'm so happy we had yummy pie to finish off the feast!

The Feast

This was the first time I've ever hosted Thanksgiving, and I loved doing it. The food was all incredible, the company couldn't be beat, and the kids were even on their best behavior. We had the missionaries over, and it was great to have them there too. We went around the table and said what we are most Thankful for, and items ranged from family, to the gospel, to good health, and more. And, of course, that we were eating Thanksgiving dinner OUTSIDE. What I am most grateful for is to have such a great family who loves me, my hubby and my kids so much. I can't believe how lucky I am. Oh, and my favorite dish? The cornbread stuffing!

Turkey Bowl

One of Mike's favorite traditions is playing in the Turkey Bowl with friends or family. He gets all decked out (kind of embarassing) and gets super sweaty and gross and is sore for the rest of the weekend, but he loves it. This year Mitch and Specer came along, the girls cooked, and Grandpa took Ezzie and Parks on another LONG wagon ride. Just one quick note, I love to cook and I really love to cook with my mom and sis in the same kitchen. It never really feels stressful, just fun.

The troops arrive!

On Wednesday the rest of my family arrived. The boys and grandma waited at the park for them to pull in, and Ezra and Parker were long lost best friends. Uncle Mitch was a fave, and he was so much fun the entire trip. What a nice uncle!! The boys all adore him. Grandpa has the patience of Job and pulled Ezzie and Parks in the wagon for HOURS! The first day we spent playing, playing playing, then went to dinner. Parks was exhausted, and fell asleep at the table!!

The party begins, call in the Indians

Our Thanksgiving celebrations were different this year because my whole family (minus Beau in Madagascar) came to us. I LOVED it. We had the best time ever, I hope we can do it again soon. My mom came on Monday to help me get things ready and even made it for Jace's Indian parade. His preschool is so cute. The boys could hardly contain their excitement when they saw Grandma!!

Boardin' Babies

My boys have found a new fascination--skateboarding. The kid across the street from us is 15 and a major skateboarder--he has rails, and lots of boards, etc. He is so nice and has taught Jace and Parks a few tricks and even let them borrow his skateboards.

So, every morning for the last week, we've been out on the driveway, skateboarding. Even James has joined the club and has to have one too. I'm surprised at how well Jace can ride, since both Mike and I are about as far from "skater" as you can get.

On another note. Helmets. I know my kids should wear them all the time, but I still have the geeky unnecessary stigma attached to them that I had when I was a kid. I'm trying my best to make them wear them, but to be honest, it's rare we even get shoes on, so who am I kidding. Any great tricks to get us in a better habit?