Thanksgiving in Utah!

We decided to pull the kids out of school and make the 10 hour drive to visit family.  It was worth the effort.  We rolled into Grandma and Grandpa's house about Midnight Saturday but first thing Sunday morning Reece and the others were out playing in the snow.

Dayton built about 3 snowmen in Grandma and Grandpa's yard.

Sadie wanted in on the action so big brother Landon helped her make a snowman.

After church we all met over at Aunt Tami's house for icecream Sundaes.  Here I am with all of my nieces and nephews (except Courtney).  The kids definitely love playing with their cousins and I wish we could more often.  We try to make it to Utah at least twice a year but that just isn't enough.

Travis and Erica with Tami's baby Shae

From left to right my brother Travis, Kyle, sister in law Camille, my dad and my brother in law Chris.

It's always a full household when we get together. 14 adults and 13 kids.

Here is my cute mom and my brother Kyle

The next day we decided to make the drive up North and visit Travis's grandmother Peterson.  She is in her 80's yet is still such a mover.  We took her to lunch at the Golden Corral (one of her favorites) and we just laughed when she kept wrapping up leftovers in her napkin to bring home to her dog.  It was a great visit.

Have I mentioned yet that it was super cold in Utah so we opted for an inside activity and headed to the local rollerskating rink.  I use to hang out here a lot growing up.  Grandma even gave it a whirl around the rink a few times.

They rink lets kids ride scooters around the rink too so Landon and cousin Amberly opted for that.

Sadie also had a scooter but needed help from mom to make it around the rink.

Reece on the other hand has been riding a scooter for years and was happy to show off to Grandma and Grandpa and all his cousins his mad skillz.

Dayton is pretty awesome on the rollerblades 

Cousin Amberly Phillips (same age as Landon)

Landon

Cousin Skyler

Sadie gave up the scooter and decided to hitch a ride on mom's hip for some more roller rink action.

Travis rollerbladed too but for some reason I don't have any pictures but I know I have video so I'll have to post that up when I get an extra minute.

Thanksgiving morning we were up early and driving to Travis's parents house for the big feast.  They live about 3 hours away from my parents so we usually split our time when we are in Utah.  I didn't get any pictures of the actual dinner?  I guess we were more focused on the face stuffing.   Rest assured it was delicious.  Travis's mom is a fabulous cook.  

The Day after Thanksgiving Travis and his brother Ben and Landon and Dayton headed out to find some rabbits. (My apologies little bunnies)

The amount of ammo and weapon arsenal needed is mind boggling to me.  But when you have miles and miles of open space (what I refer to as BFE)  it's a great place to test out your fire power.

Travis is pretty cute and looks tough with all those guns.

After the hunting expedition there was more snow play.

Sadie is so cute.

Dayton testing out the tree.

Cousin Brody and Reece were inseparable the whole visit.  They played hard for 3 days straight.

Aunt Kelli and Dayton on the other hand had a serious rivalry going on that would commence each evening when we played cards together. (wink, wink)

Cousin Tannice is sad here because her and Sadie played lots and lots but when it was time for a picture Sadie wouldn't have anything to do with it.  Poor Tannice. :)

All the cousins on Travis's side.

Even the oldest cousin of all Braden. 

Overall it was a great trip.  

Not pictured was also shopping, some running, plenty of eating, movie going, and lots of visiting.

We have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving and at all times of the year.