Our Last Full Day

After a full week of fun - our little family was starting to show their tiredness :). So we spent most of Saturday morning relaxing and enjoying being together. The we had another fabulous breakfast, the kids watched cartoons, I started some more laundry (it is never ending), and we slowly got ready for a new day.

That afternoon BYU played UTAH - Always an intense and crazy game. John was able to go with some of the family. It was quite a game and John was very glad he was there :).

While John was away at the game, the kids and I headed out to Herriman once again to spend time with my Dad and the Baughmans. We shopped, watched the game, and let the kids go wild. It is always fun to be with them.

Abigail loves to hold the baby :).

Mylie was loving this tape measurer we brought home - She kept measuring her horses :).

Auntie Becca and Connor - she is so good to my children - she loves them like her own.

Mylie - working hard at her coloring

The threesome - mesmerized by the TV :)

Papa- Always fixing something

Happy Baby Luke - I love naked babies!

What a vacation! It is always fun to go see family! Tiresome and Fun - all at the same time. Thank you all so much for sharing this holiday with us. We love you all!!!

**Thanks to the Halversons, too! It was so fun to see you guys! Thanks for making the extra effort. We need to do it again! **

Day 7: Nighttime

Temple Square Lights and The Grand America Hotel Celebration

After spending the day in Herriman, we headed back up to Salt Lake to spend the evening with the Wirthlins. We were so glad that Dad (Papa) decided to join us! We spent the evening at Temple Square enjoying the lights and the beautiful scene of the Nativity. After "strolling" through the square, we headed over (by way of Trax) to the Grand America Hotel. They had a great party there... with FREE hot chocolate, scones and warm cinnamon almonds, FREE cookie decorating for the kids, FREE Santa letter writing, EVERYTHING was FREE... AMAZING! Abigail and Dallin loved seeing Santa and starting of the season with a bang! It was fun night for all!

Abigail and her buddy, Richie

Daddy and Dallin -

What a lucky boy! He had the best view! And Mom was so happy not to lose him :).

"Sisters" - Alexa and Bella

Some of the gang

Papa and Connor -

Thanks Dad for being on stroller duty.

Ellice, Alexa and Bella warming up in the Tabernacle

Bella and Abigail

My favorite part - The Nativity

Riding Trax back to the hotel

Writing letters to Santa -

Abigail wants a barbie and Dallin wants a red fire truck. We'll see what Santa brings...

Dallin loved the gingerbread houses that were on display.

He stared at this one for about 15mins!

Decorating Cookies

Thanksgiving Break: Day 7

Day 7: Daytime

Friday was another day spent in Herriman with Dad (Papa) and the Baughmans. We decided to head out to the "Kangaroo Zoo." What a fun place! The kids had a blast! And we were so glad they had a place to let out some of that excitement and enthusiasm.

I had to add this picture. This is Connor's newest facial expression.

Connor and Mylie making some music

The Kangaroo Zoo:

And yes - I had to document "The Race."

We finished up the afternoon with lunch at the Pizza Factory. Yummy!

**A special side note: Happy Birthday Grammie!! We love you!!**

Thanksgiving Break: Day 6 - Part 2

Thanksgiving #2: Part 2: Dinner and a Program

After the Turkey Bowl - everyone headed home to finish the cooking and baking preparations. We met back up at Carolyn and Brian's home. Carolyn had truly out-done herself. The table settings were exquisite. She had thought of every detail - from centerpieces to favors - even down to the crafts and coloring at the kids table to keep them busy while we dished up the food. It was picture perfect. The food was fabulous and being with family is almost fun. But I must admit one of my favorite parts this year was the program. What a cute idea! Carolyn found all of these costumes and some of the cousins were able to dress up and play the part of the "Pilgrims and Indians" and "Their First Thanksgiving Dinner." The kids were troopers and the program was a hit. Thanks Carolyn!

After the festivities most of us (excluding the four littlest and Super-Cousin Morgan [who stayed behind to watch the kids]) went to the movies. It was a fun way to end the day.

Thanks again Carolyn and Brian for opening your home to us all. It was a wonderful day. We are grateful we were able to be there to celebrate with all of you.

Bella, Abigail, and Lizzy

Connor

Dallin - he was a little unsure about the head-dress, but his Daddy managed to get it on him.

"The Program"

"Two Little Indians" - Sam and Connor [only one month apart]

Sarah and Connor

"Pilgrim Family"

Connor and Rich

Michael, John and Christine

Josh and Chris

Mike and Katie - Congrats! ;)

Wirthlin Siblings

The little ones couldn't wait to get down from the table and PLAY!

Christine and Connor

Happy Thanksgiving!

We just wanted to add a special note to our family and friends we did not see... We love you all and are so grateful for each of you.

Also at this time, we are so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who continually blesses us and our little family.

May we all remember the blessings in our lives - not only today, but each day of our lives.

Thanksgiving Break: Day 6 - Part 1

Thanksgiving Day #2: Turkey Bowl

MaryAnn and Doug were so sweet to invite us over for the Annual Family Turkey Bowl and scones. It was tons of fun. The weather was perfect - crisp but not too cold - and the food was scrumptious. A perfect way to start Turkey Day #2.

Thanksgiving Break: Day 5 (Wednesday)

Wednesday: Our First Thanksgiving Day

Wednesday we headed back down to Herriman. My Dad had flown in the night before and we were celebrating our "Blackner Thanksgiving" together at Becca's house.

We had another fun kid day - coloring, movies, playing with toys, jumping with Papa, singing songs, and attempting to take family pictures. We ended our day with a fabulous "Thanksgiving" meal (no pictures... I guess when there is just two of you in the kitchen - pictures are not really a priority. But cooking with my sister is always fun. I love that girl and wish we lived closer to each other). Yummy food was enjoyed by all. But more importantly we had a great time being together and sharing in the holiday season.

Baby Luke - swinging

Isn't his fluffy hair adorable?

More Coloring ...

Jumping on the Tramp with Papa

Mylie and Becca - cute girls!

"The wheels on the bus go round and round" - Mylie

Papa and Luke - these two have a special bond.

Papa was always cuddling him, feeding him, and making him happy.

Connor playing the "kitty piano." He loves pianos.

Papa and Luke all tuckered out

This picture was taken after we attempted some family pictures outside. Wish these smiles would have happened earlier, but we will take what we can get :).

Papa and Connor

Heading back to the Wirthlin's - The kids only 5 minutes of being in the car.

It was a good day.

Thanksgiving Break: Day 4 (Tuesday)

A Day of Relaxation

Tuesday, John headed off to shadow a local orthodontist in the area. The kids and I stayed put and had a nice relaxing and cozy morning... watching cartoons, cuddling by the fire, reading books, and doing laundry.

When our Dad arrived back, he took the kids out for some more fun in the snow.

They LOVE the snow.

Here are some pictures of them building a snowman with Dad.