Thanksgiving...

We traveled to Utah and Idaho this year to celebrate Thanksgiving with Karen and her family and to welcome Jeremy home from his mission. We took advantage of our trip to visit old friends and distant family, some of them we had not seen in 6 years...

Even though most of our visits were rather short, we enjoyed them immensely. (We were so consumed by living in the moment that we did not even think about taking pictures...) Our thanks go to all those who let us into their homes, shared a meal, or traveled to see us. We love our friends!

On our way to Idaho, we stopped by the new Brigham City temple, whose temple president is President Checketts, my beloved mission president!

We asked some members entering the temple to talk to the frontdesk (we were not dressed to go inside the temple) and see if we could say hi to President and Sister Checketts but they told that we could come in and wait in the front room... It was wonderful to visit with the Checketts!

 Thanksgiving was delicious with all our favorite foods... We had fun just being together cooking and  eating and playing... I also made a bunch of necklaces to Karen from necklaces, stones and pearls she already owned... 

We had hoped to play in some snow in Utah or Idaho, and had packed all the snow clothes we would

need, but in the end, it was not to be.  =(

Karen took the boys to the neighbors to collect eggs... we had stayed longer but it was freezing cold...

 

 

We also celebrated an early Christmas before we had to leave. To get in the spirit, we helped put up their Christmas trees and decorations, and were initiated into their pre-Christmas tradition (now probably one of ours) of watching the comedy “Elf.” We also made our family’s traditional Christmas Bratzelis... Can you guess who is enjoying them the most?!!

The boys loved their presents, including their first Legos (they received more on Christmas day) and “Despicable Me” (a new favorite that is quoted daily). And Mark received (wait for it...) Guns! Yes, real guns. A Glock pistol and an assault rifle, both with laser sights. Investing in their family business (Idaho Armory) has benefits, after all, and Karen and Tim want us to be “prepared” before the ARs get outlawed. While we are not gun nuts, Mark admits that he really, really likes his new toys.

On our way back to Utah, we stopped by Honeyville to visit the graves of Mark's mother and sister.