Thanksgiving in Mountain Home

We just spent a wonderful week in Mountain Home with the whole Drake family for Thanksgiving. 
All the Aunts, Uncles and cousins came home and it was so wonderful to be all together after a very long time being apart. Because of COVID, we couldn't all get together for the 4th of July so we haven't been together since last Christmas. The kids had a wonderful time playing with their cousins and just being together. Sometimes I forget how hard this isolation is on them. I know I often feel like I'm going crazy, but they are so easy going that I forget it's equally hard on them. 
The kids seriously played non-stop together. They had sleepovers, played outside, played inside, laughed and cuddled non-stop. It was pretty adorable. 
We got into Mountain Home on Monday evening. The kids were so excited to see the rest of their cousins already there. The next morning I woke up to find them all coloring together at the table. It was pretty adorable. They loved printing coloring sheets and coloring together. This was almost a daily occurrence. 

This picture cracks me up. This was Benson talking on his "phone" to Uncle David's cat Pip. Uncle David pulled out his actual cell phone and pretended to talk to Benson for Pip. It had Benson laughing so hard. We were all cracking up watching the exchange. He's such a funny kid and he loves to laugh. 

On Wednesday we decided to have a "pie night" so we could fully enjoy the pie. Typically I'm too full after Thanksgiving dinner to really enjoy the pie. So having pie the night before was perfect to me. 

And the kids really enjoyed it too. It was hard for them to decide what kind of pie they wanted and they enjoyed sampling lots of different kinds. 

We also played tons of games together. Almost every night was spent playing games after the kids went to bed. We stayed up way too late and laughed way too hard. 

This sight was also not uncommon. Aunt Michelle is a favorite among all the kids and its easy to see why. She's amazing with her nieces and nephews and they adore her. It really is amazing. She married into this crazy family of 20 and went from having 1 sibling and 2 parents on her side, to having 20 people on her husband's side. You might think that would be overwhelming but she jumped right in and is such an awesome addition to our family. We love her!

On Thanksgiving morning, Sarah, Laura and I went to Papa's Rock Steady Gym and snuck in a "High Fitness" workout. Papa does "Rock Steady" boxing for his Parkinson's  and they recently moved to a new gym. There was tons of room and he helps to manage it so he had a key. It was so nice to get a break from the littles and get to work out together. 

When we got back from our workout it was time for a traditional "turkey bowl". Tanner had been looking forward to this all week. It was pretty fun to watch. 

Benson didn't play long. Once he realized he didn't get to hold the ball the whole time, he bolted. 

Aunt Sarah was a great team captain and Tucker was happy to play with her, Max and Clark. 

Tanner is learning to be a good sport and Uncle Johnny was a good teacher for him. Uncle Johnny is always a good sport and a great example for the kids. 

These two boys were cracking me up as they seem to conspire together. 

After the game, we got cleaned up and we enjoyed a delicious Thanksgiving dinner. The weather was amazing so the kids happily ate outside. The adults enjoyed a quiet dinner inside and it was so nice. 

I'm so incredibly grateful for this little family of mine. I guess we aren't really a little family. There are 6 of us and even though it may feel like a lot sometimes, I wouldn't have it any other way. 
Under President Nelson's instruction, we just finished a 7 day gratitude challenge and it was so nice to focus on the blessings in my world. Especially during this time of confusion and isolation. COVID has made life so hard but there are still so many good things out there. 

This guy is one of the main reasons my life is so wonderful. He's my favorite!

After Thanksgiving dinner we hung out for a while, but then we got changed and went over to Papa's boxing gym to play. He had set up a bunch of obstacle courses and games. The kids loved it. We had played, we danced, we burned off all our Thanksgiving calories. 

Tanner probably had the best dance moves and he was so funny to watch. 

Then Papa revealed the big Christmas present. Papa and Nanny decided to give them the present early since we wont be together for Christmas. They gave the kids the new virtual Mario cart. 

You can program the mario cart course to your setting so you actually drive the cars around the your house but you can see the obstacles and prizes on your handheld switch. It's hard to describe without playing, but the kids were pretty thrilled. These two boys couldn't wait to try it out. 

These two just love their Aunt Michelle. I love watching them interact together. 

And of course the kids all love their Papa. 

We had lots of fun playing together. The kids really loved the obstacle courses Papa set up and played for hours. The dance parties were also pretty epic. 

Friday morning found us on the ASUMH  campus taking our annual family pictures. 

We struggled a bit at first with the kids pictures but pulled it together for the group shot. 

We also took a sibling shot. I'm so grateful for these people. They are my best friends and I'm incredibly grateful we all get along so well. 

Then a picture of all the adults. 

This may be my favorite shot. Aunt Laura is such a great sport. 

These two people are the best examples of love I could ask for. 
I love them so much!

 

I rarely get pictures of just me and my parents so this was a gem. 
I'm so blessed to have such great parents. 

Friday night we celebrate Papa's 61st birthday. The kids all made him birthday cards. He opened them each and let the kids each explain and elaborate on them. It was pretty cute to watch. 

True to form, Benson decided not to give his card to Papa. He had colored a picture and he had done such a great job. But when Papa unfolded it and told him "thank you", Benson said "I colored it for me, not for you". We all laughed at Benson's possessive reply and Papa happily gave him his picture back. It was so funny to watch. 

Also, these cute cousins looked so cute in their matching "turbie twist" towels. I just love them!

Then Papa opened his present for the kids- a new blender - and we brought out his cake. Aunt Sarah had made his favorite sheet cake. 

Then Saturday morning we took the traditional cousins pj picture. Nanny and Papa bought the kids all these matching pajamas and they looked so cute in them. And by some Christmas miracle, even little Grant smiled for the picture. It was amazing! 

Their wonderful picture earned them all "Papa Shakes" and they were so excited. 
Papa used his new blender to make everyone his famous milk shakes. 

I love this picture of Papa with all his grandkids. Those kids are so lucky!

After we all enjoyed our milkshakes, we got packed up and headed home. 
It was hard to leave everyone, but we enjoyed every minute of our visit and we will be going through cousin withdrawal for the next few days. Happy Thanksgiving! I hope everyone enjoyed themselves!