Thanksgiving Trip

We left Utah. We picked the kids up from school and took off. We were heading down to Arizona to visit with my brother's family and my sister's family.  

This is a new view for me. Jaxon and Andre in the front seats. Me- in the back. Jaxon loves passing lanes. 

We didn't have time to make our traditional Thanksgiving- gratitude tree before we left. So, we made it in the car. I figured, we were stuck in there for hours, it was a good thing to do. 

 On the way to their house, we stopped by the Mesa Temple. We have never been there before

They have their Christmas decorations out. We went during the day so we didn't see any lights.

But it was 90 degrees! 

 First we went to Jill's house. We saw her new house and played with her kids. They are so fun.

Then we got to go to Jeff's house and see all of the family (but Parker) but especially see Connor home from his mission. We were only 4 months late to see him come home. 

Let the games begin!  Chameleon is a fun new game.

Thanksgiving Day!

It was nice and warm, so we got in the hot tub and pool. 

 Some of us mostly Jeff and Allie, started cooking dinner at 8:00 in the morning. There was a lot of chopping, slicing, soaking, broiling, etc... all morning. Other people played games...

Exploding Kittens game

 Hanging with Grandma

 Magic the Gathering

 Making the food- Allie was the queen of cooking. I am going to get all of her recipes.

We had delicious appetizers. 

We finally got to hang with my nephew Connor. It was fun to see him and hear about his mission. 

This game is called Metro. 

 Busy working in the kitchen. We had turkey AND ham. 

 Not busy working

 Finally time to eat!

 Such great food!

 After Thanksgiving walk. They have Queen Creek Wash near their house. We went walking there

Then we went off roading

 It was beautiful

When we got back to Jeff's house, Jill and her family was there. Time to play!

 Did I mention that the water was FREEZING? I knew it was cold. But I stepped in and about froze my toes. No pool for me that is for sure. 

 Playing with babies.

Then Jeff got out his outdoor movie screen and we watched Elf.

No picture of pie- but we had delicious pie. 

More games:  7 Wonders

 Sushi-go

 Apples to Apples

FRIDAY: The whole family went up to the Superstition Mountains

 This place is seriously beautiful.

 BB guns!

 Campfire to cook hotdogs. It was 90 degrees and it was torture to get near that fire.

 Tanner with the babies.

 Baby with Cheetos.

We went on a hike to some Indian ruins. 

Andre, Chase and Jude went on a little hike together.

Jeff took us on a jeep ride.

 I got to play with Sammy in the river.

Jaxon and Alex playing with Holly- lots of laughs from that one year old.

Saturday:

Hang out day

Seriously, this water was like 30 degrees. 

We went to see Coco. That is a seriously cute movie. And Jude is old enough to see a movie!

Then we went over to see Jill's kids again. 

 Played games with the little guys too!

 Saying Goodbye to Jill

Connor and Jake made us fried plantains!  Yummy goodness

Then the boys swam, we packed up, watched the Utah football game, and that was the end.

Sunday- we drove home allllllll day. We left at 7:30 am and got home at 6:50. It is amazing how good the kids are in a car. They just hang out and occupy themselves. We had good music, some movies and snacks.

We stopped in Page for a 15 minute run around the beautiful rocks.