Thanksgiving in Mountain Home

We just got home from Mountain Home and we had a great visit. Well everyone else had a great visit. I was sick with a sinus infection and it was rough. We arrived Wednesday afternoon and immediately set up a party for Papa's birthday party. The following day was Papa's actual birthday but it was on Thanksgiving day so we decided to celebrate early. This was a big birthday for Papa- the BIG 6-0!

We had a "Razorback football" themed party and Papa loved it. 

We served football shaped burgers, football strawberries, concession stand snacks like cheetos and Nanny made him his favorite cake- German Chocolate Cake. 

These stinker grand kids loved getting to celebrate Papa, but Benson and Grant were being stinkers and wouldn't take a good picture. 

After eating dinner and cake, it was time to open presents. 

For Papa's 60th birthday we all chipped in to get him a gift card for Home Depot and a Razorback tumbler. But weeks before his birthday we asked people to write notes to him about how he has affected their lives. We received so many amazingly sweet notes and it was so awesome. 

We stuffed the tumbler full of the notes and then we all got to listen as Papa read aloud each one. 

We had a great time celebrating Papa. Afterwards, Papa took all the kids outside to play laser tag.
It was dark at this point and a little cold- but that didn't stop the kiddos. 

After getting the kids to bed, I basically crashed. I was feeling super sick and I was exhausted from packing, traveling and throwing a big party. 

But we were so happy to be able to celebrate Papa and all the good that is that wonderful man. He's just the best. He's touched so many lives and we feel so blessed to have him in our world. 

The next morning was Thanksgiving and the kids couldn't wait to color their Thanksgiving posters. 

Later we decorated Turkey hand print cookies. 

Then the kids played more games- they really loved playing "Life". 

The kids also spent a lot of time playing with their cousins in the basement

I spent a lot of time resting . But I did get to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner. It was delicious and I am grateful that I was able to rest so much since Chris was with us and he was able to take care of everything for me. 

On Friday we had to take the dreaded but always so cute cousins PJ picture. 

The kids were so not cooperative and the pictures were a disaster.
We kind of got one good one but even after all the editing we decided not to use it. 

We actually ended up ordering this one for the annual canvas. This picture is such a mess but we love it. Every time I look at it, I crack up. So much personality in these little people. 

We ended the picture taking with some Papa wrestling. It was the only thing that helped them cheer up after having to take pictures. 

Papa also made all the kids milkshakes after pictures too. 

Then it was more playing, more cousin time and more fun. 

And I went back to bed. 

Saturday morning we helped Papa and Nanny set up and decorate their Christmas tree.
It's always so fun to go through all their ornaments and reminisce together.  

 

After we finished decorating the tree, we packed up and headed home. I was still trying to get over my sinus infection and I really wanted to be home in time to welcome our elves back and kick off  "Light the World" on Sunday. And I had to teach the lesson on Sunday in Relief Society. 

Anyways, we got home I was able to get us unpacked and then work on my lesson and setup to welcome the elves back. We had a great Thanksgiving in Mtn. Home and I'm already starting to feel better. Now onto all things Christmas.