Family Pictures

I didn't think ahead very well, and realized quite last minute, that if we wanted to get family pictures this year, we were going to have to fit it in over Thanksgiving break as well.  Luckily, a friend of ours that does family photos was free over the break and took some beautiful pictures for us!  It always makes me sad to have one missing, but I learned my lesson last year and knew we had to take them anyway.

Christmas tree time!

While Katelyn was home for Thanksgiving break we really wanted to get our Christmas tree so she could do it with us.  This is the earliest we have ever picked out a tree.  We went to a cute little tree stand at the south end of town.

Katelyn and the boys, being their adorable selves. haha  and no normal pics, as usual.

On the hunt for the perfect tree.

Found it!

 Time to decorate!

 

 

 Basking in the magical glow of the Christmas tree.

#RunforRaLee

One of Katelyn's high school friends and XC/track teammates, Karlee, lost her mom, RaLee, unexpectedly on November 14, 2017.  RaLee was well known and loved in the running community.  She was only 44 and had recently run her 44th marathon.  Friends coordinated an event in her honor.  We all met at the Sky View High School track, released red balloons, and ran together in her memory.  It was an honor for Katelyn and I to participate.

Thanksgiving!!

Dinner prep!  Our family was in charge of mashed potatoes and stuffing this year.

Lots of cubed bread for lots of stuffing!!

Everyone contributes a dish or two and we have a fabulous feast!

After dinner we stay for visiting and games!  So much fun.

First up...Finding Nemo.  Everyone closes their eyes while Nemo (one tap) and Bruce (two taps) are selected.  On "go" everyone begins mingling and trying to find out who Nemo is by asking everyone "are you Nemo?"  Nemo can deny it for a little while, but eventually must reveal.  As soon as Nemo is discovered you latch onto their waist and everyone follows trying to get into line as quickly as possible because . . . anyone in line after "Bruce" is out!

Turkey Tag was back for another year.  For this game we divide into two teams....black socks vs. white socks.  The socks are tucked into your waist band in back.  This becomes your turkey tail.  On go each team begins trying to pull out the other team's tails.  Last team standing wins!

This was a clever game.  Everyone divides into teams.  Then an individual in charge gives a descriptive word (longest, tallest, fastest) and the teams select a representative that they think can win the challenge based on the word alone.  The twist?  The challenge isn't usually what you would expect!  Longest toenails, fastest at saying the ABCs backwards, etc.  Here's Braden and Daxton with a squat showdown!

And finally, no Thanksgiving gathering is complete without a few rounds of lightning!

Katelyn loves her little cousins!

Katelyn and Sienna

Katelyn and Ivy

All the siblings that could make it this year (7 out of 10...not too bad).  Mark, Ralph, Bruce, Jalene, Rebecca, Emily, and me!

Siblings + mom and dad Daniels

I sure do love this crazy, fun family.  Too bad odd years don't come around every year. ;)

Thanksgiving Miracle (jk)

Now that we have three drivers in the house again, we've been shopping around for an economical used car for a while.  We had test driven quite a few, even made some trips to the Salt Lake area, and just hadn't found the right car yet.  Clint was getting sick of shopping I think, because he was doing most of it.  Well, we finally found a car!  It's a Toyota Yaris....gets great gas mileage, comfortable, and drives great!  I love it!  This will be my car now and Carson gets to take over the mini van, which strangely enough, he is very excited about!

Family time

Katelyn came home for Thanksgiving break!  So great to have her here.  She helped us put up the Christmas lights....

Her and Griff played some pool....

 and Jenga....kind of...

Love these kids! (silly selfies)