Come Ye Thankful (and Hungry) People

We were truly grateful to host our neice and nephew, S. and J., for Turkey Day.  This year we did Thanksgiving in two parts:  Part I consisted of playing lots of X-Box Kinetic and eating a non-traditional meal of steaks, pasta, salads, and cheesecake.

Here, J. & A. show off their stuff as they play the river rapids game.

 For the first time ever, I got to use the china and candlestick holders I received ten years ago for our wedding.  I must say, it was a quiet little domestic dream come true to host my first ever holiday gathering for family in my own home.

Thanksgiving Part II consisted of a roadtrip to Tucson to feast with our good friends, the Ross's.  But before the meal, we stopped by to see the Pima Air and Space Museum.  Here is J. (currently in the Air Force ROTC at BYU) looking into the cockpit of an A-something-or-other (you'll have to ask him what the exact designation is).

Jay and Au. pose in front of an SR-71.

After feasting our eyes with all things aeronautic, we returned to the Ross's to filled our tummies with a traditional (and very delicious) Thanksgiving dinner.  Thanks so much J. & C.! 

Oh yeah, my one contribution to that meal was a made-from-scratch-double-crusted apple pie.  Had to snap a photo to document it for posterity.

The pinks and mommy with our gracious hostess.

Soccer Star

This year represents A.'s first foray into organized sports.  According to her, soccer is all about spending time with friends, wearing your hair in braids, running around in a cool t-shirt and, oh yeah, if the ball happens to come your way, you should probably kick it.

See A. Run!  That's her in the maroon shirt running ahead of the ball in an attempt to cut off the opposing team's attack!



More Visitors!

In early November we were treated to a visit from Grandma D. & Grandpa G.  And more visitors means more fun!  Here we are playing at the Phoenix Children's Museum 

Grandpa G. keeps Au. warm while the family cheers on A. at another soccer game.

Time to Trick-Or-Treat

This year it was up to one very adorable ballerina, one exceptionally sweet ladybug, and one tiny little Halloween monster to tame all the spooks with an overdose of the cutes.

P. and A. designed the faces for their respective Jack-O-Laterns themselves!

We Love Visitors!

In late October we were lucky enough to receive a visit from Grandma M. and Aunt M.A.  All sorts of fun things happen when we host visitors (which is why we like them so much). Here is a picture of us gals at the Desert Botanical Gardens...

cheering for our favorite soccer player....

and making "ghost" treats out of Nutter Butter cookies and Tootsie Pops.


We also took Grandma M. and Aunt M.A. to A.'s school fair where carnival treats...

and bounce houses were enjoyed by all!