Lots to be thankful for

We, Williams (well, 3 out of the 4 families), gathered in the Northwest for a very wetThanksgiving.  Aaron's mom and dad flew up from Provo and Brant and the kids drove down from Vancover.  We had a full house for four fun, rainy days.

I must admit it was my best turkey yet.  And I'm not really a big fan of turkey.  I think it had to do with it being free, after taking advantage of some sale by Fred Meyer.  Who could complain about a 21 lb free turkey?

Cotton didn't. Too bad the kid never got any.

The long weekend was low key and relaxing, as always.

Kids played card games, watched movies and battled in video games.

The little boys tried battling with light sabors but  one would be whacked in the face and in tears within seconds.   They tried playing trains but one would knock down the bridge so the other would gather all the trains to take to another room.  They tried playing with the castle but one  would lock the other boy's knight in the dungeon and a tantrum would ensue.   Cooperative play was not their forte this time around.  Give it some time and they'll be best of friends.

Dad got some "backyard birding" in, along with one quick trip to the pond down the street.

We went for a walk the one afternoon it wasn't raining.  Jonah protected us from all the attacking trees.

Let him out and this kid's happy.

Mother & son.

My cute, kissy face.

This boy will never hold your hand, like Lucas always did.  He must be free & unencumbered!

The kids made place cards with glitter, stickers, markers and whatever else they would find...

...while Jonah wrangled dinosaurs.

The girls convinced Grandma, Lucas and I to go Black Friday shopping.  We convinced them to wait at least until 6am to leave.  Target here we come!

We took some family pictures but none of them turned out too swell.  For whatever reason, Lucas never quite looks like himself.  It's so goofy. He gets it from his mother.  Sorry, honey.  Do I really look like that?!

Brant and the kids.  Can you tell who was not in the mood to get his picture taken?  He cracks me up.

By Saturday, we all retired to our own corners for some quiet time.  Mom and Dad flew home and Brant & Co. went back north.

I am always sad when holidays end and I get in a funk.  Luckily Christmas is right around the corner and we'll be off to Arizona in no time.  I'm halfway done with my Christmas shopping, the tree is up and Polar Express Radio is playing on Pandora.

Happy Holidays!