Thanksgiving Break in Mountain Home

We just got home from a wonderful week in Mtn. Home with all the Drake family. Aunt Sarah and Aunt Laura drove over early and came from Utah with the Allred kids. Uncle Joseph and his family came up from Texas. We arrived Sunday after church and Uncle David and Aunt Michelle drove over with Uncle Johnny and arrived on Tuesday. It was so nice to be all together. We couldn't wait to have so much time with all the cousins together. 

Most of the week looked like this. The kids were constantly together, drawing, coloring, playing games, playing outside. It was beautiful weather and we took full advantage.

Bailey was obsessed with the neighbor's dog. She always misses Clementine when we leave. 
So she spent a lot of time outside with the dogs. This huge one was her favorite. 

On Thanksgiving we worked hard on dinner while the kids played. To keep the kids entertained, I had bought these cute thanksgiving themed painting kits. The younger kids loved them. Tanner and Clark were too cool, but everyone else loved them. 

Eventually we had thanksgiving dinner and it was amazingly delicious. I didn't get any pictures of our spread but just trust that it was sooo good.

Later we had dessert and with 8 different kinds of desserts you can imagine how much we enjoyed it.

On Friday we took family pictures. These actually weren't as hard as usual but I forgot my nice camera so getting a big family picture was difficult. 

However, we  did get some cute shots of Nanny and Papa with their Grandkids. 

And we got a cute sibling shot. I sure love these people of mine!

We also got a quick family shot. I love it!

Then Tucker really wanted a picture of just the two of us. 

He had been sad that Bailey and I got a picture together during our family photo shoot in October but I didn't get one with him. I love that he wanted one with me. Sweet boy. 

 

Then when Benson saw Tucker getting his picture, he wanted one too. 

And Tanner wanted one too. I sure love my boys!

After the pictures were over, Papa introduced everyone to his rocket launchers. 
All the kids made paper rockets and he taught us how to launch them. The kids loved it!

Saturday we got to have a "Girls Day"  with Aunt Robin and it was so fun. We went to lunch at "El Charro" and then did some shopping. This was a tradition we had a with Grams before she passed and we love remembering her in this way. 
Michelle and I had to document us being the only ones to get drinks other than water. I'd never had a pina colada with sprinkles but it was festive. 

We had a great time shopping and looking for treasures. 

While we were gone, Chris and Tanner left for Tanner's first hunting trip. 
They went hunting with Bro. Wiggins from the Mtn. Home ward and the enjoyed themselves.

Sadly, they didn't get anything but they had fun and Tanner wants to go again, so I guess it was successful. 

There was also a lot of board gaming going on. These four had so much fun and they secluded themselves in the piano room where no one would bother them. 

Our final big event was the traditional cousins christmas pj picture. 
This year was the easiest year yet. Even Grant and Benson cooperated. It was amazing. 

I had to snag one of my kids too and then Bailey wanted one with Grant too. Grant was the real MVP this time and happily took pictures with multiple cousins who were obsessed with him. It was pretty adorable. 

 

Because the kids did so good on their pajama pictures, they all got "Papa Shakes" which is the best reward you could ask for. The kids were thrilled and we were all happy that the picture was over. 

Pictures were followed by lots more game playing, snuggling and movie watching. 

It was such a great week and I'm so very thankful for my family. We are so blessed to have such a great family. And I'm grateful that we love being together. Happy Thanksgiving. 

How onto everything Christmas!