December 1-23 (including Jonathan's visit)

Jonathan was able to make a quick trip down before the holidays (we LOVED seeing you), then we celebrated Trevon's birthday (add Aunt Jaleen and Papa there for that), the day after Trev's birthday Garth was a watch dog at the elementary school, next came picking out the family room Christmas tree (kid's choice), 12 dozen cookies for a cookie exchange I was in (talk about lovely, yummy, and I could go on...), and to wrap it all up Garth's chocolate raspberry torte for the Peterson's Christmas party! I am so glad I married such a talented man, have such cute kids, wonderful family, sweet, thoughtful, talented friends and everything else! :-)

*I didn't take any pictures, but sandwiched in there was Traci's yearly ornament exchange and a trip to Taipan Trading Co. in Rancho Cucamonga with Julie, Marlie, and Starlee where we met up with some friends for lunch. It was a fun-filled month!!*

*Warning* Long post (inc pictures of Thanksgiving)

For Thanksgiving we went up to Sacramento to spend it with Jenna, Casey, & Weston (or is that Casey, Jenna, & Weston or Weston, Casey, & Jenna-Casey, you decide!) ;-)

Our drive took a bit longer than it should have due to a major accident and subsequent downed power lines-so we made a stop at a gas station and this was in the parking lot.
The kids table at Thanksgiving.

And the bigger kids table! ;-)

Ryden loved to push Paisley around in the box (Jenna & Casey's cute niece!)

While there we took the kids to Fairytale Town (it was free-definitely wait for the free day because it is so worth it) ;-)

It gave us something to do in the am, though, and it was fun to just walk through really quick.

Then we headed to Old Town Sacramento (pictures below) which we all really enjoyed. There was a military museum which the men in the family adored because they love guns, tanks, and anything military, we had Round Table Pizza (no longer Garth's favorite, or even close, but it was decent), hit the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, watched a steamboat and a train, and enjoyed the old stores.

We also met up with Casey & Jenna and went to the Sacramento Temple (isn't it pretty)...where we were able to see the video about the making of Reflections in the adjacent meeting house. (By the way-I thought Weston did really well.)

Starlee attacked Weston regularly with kisses...here he is getting her back. (I loved it!)

We also headed up to Apple Hill while Casey was taking his last test. We shared some apple doughnuts and a caramel apple.

PS They don't cut them up for you there-and just between you and me I was kind of bummed about it. ;-)

[Garin] "Mom, you have got to be kidding me. I am "so" sick of all you giving me a hard time just because I am picky and talk back to you.
[Mom] "Dude, I just got a picture of your attitude for posterity. Thanks! I wasn't sure anyone would believe that you were a normal teenager!"

[Garth] *I can't remember exactly, but it went something like he was in big trouble...poor Garin! ;-) *

My cutie (well, actually, I am lucky to have 7 of them)

**

So, after Apple Hill we went to the bridge from XXX, a SUPER tall bridge. We walked down one side and came back on the other. I liked it. It was great to be outside, see the scenery (including the river below and some other bridges and the teensy weensy little bicyclers on the path below), take a nice walk, and hang out with Jenna, Casey, and Weston some more! I'll be honest...it was perfect. (Especially crossing the street with all of the kids...thanks to Jenna & Casey we had a great kid to adult ratio!)

Me and the blonde mini-me.

This is in the middle of the bridge (both sides)...I wonder if anyone calls? And do they have the same kind of sign on the Coronado Bridge? I am going to check next time we head to Peohe's.

Weston...he is such a cutie. And I just love his eyes.

Ry and Weston playing.

Ry "sliding" down Garth's legs.

Jenna and my nephew (oh, okay, her son) and Trev in the back smiling. I am not sure why, maybe it goes back to our dating days (our being Garth and myself), but we love Spaghetti Factory, as do our kids, and so we jumped at the chance to go while in Sacramento. Silly to some, maybe, but to us-a sentimental evening! :-)

Weston chowing down on his applesauce with his two adoring parents.

So, that was a quick summary of our trip. We had the loveliest of times. Thank you Jenna and Casey for opening up your home to our huge gang. Thanks Weston for giving your Uncle Garth and Aunt Janelle your bedroom. We can't wait to visit again (and go fishing....Garth would insist I add fishing)! :-)

Healthy Habits Plate

I love this plate! I saw it on the blog Simply Healthful. And they are doing a giveaway for one right now! I think I would like a few, it would be a great way to make eating vegetables even more fun! In general, most of my kids eat their veggies really well (with only 1 exception that I can think of off the top of my head-and it isn't Garth) ;-), but wouldn't this be such a great visual aid? You can find it at Super Healthy Kids.

So, get on over there. The plates are only $2.99 each (cheaper than some of those other character plates). I am thinking a great idea to include in an Easter basket, Valentine's, FHE on healthy eating...you get the picture! :-)

Just thought I would share! Have a great day!