Thanksgiving Season 2014

Warning:  Long Post with LOTS of Pictures

 The party started on Tuesday, November 25 when G-ma and G-pa P, Tiffany, Shawn & Abigail arrived.  It didn't take long for Elsie, Quinn and Abigail to drum up what they called "The Tickle Witch Parade".  They each made their own feathered wand and marched around tickling people.  I will say it was the first of its kind.

 They also occupied themselves by going 'camping' in the family room.

 Everyone found something to do and the kids played especially well.

 Shawn got a little work done.

So did Aaron - with a little help from these headphones.

 And so did Mom.  Meal prep and clean-up were ongoing projects.

 Brinley shaped these mini turkeys from caramel and decorated cupcakes for the kids.

 She made 'blueberry and cherry pies' too!

 The girls also made a cute name decor for Abigail's 8th birthday.

 

 It was extra special to have some extended family gathered to support Abigail's decision to be baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints by her father, Shawn.

Wednesday afternoon some of us left a little early to stop at Kohl's so G-pa P had nice pants to wear (deja vu).  We all met up at Kathy and Brent's for a pizza dinner before heading over to Aunt Kathy's stake center.  Shawn did a wonderful job on his first ever baptism and confirmation and we all felt the spirit.  Many of the children participated in the program.  Anna and Jantzen offered prayers, Tanner lead the music while I accompanied and Brinley played a beautiful musical number on her violin.

Back: Britton, Cassidy, Parker, Rilee, Brinley, Jenna, Tanner, Jameson Front: Cole, Jantzen, Elsie, Quinn, Oakley, Abigail, Anna, Korinne

 It wasn't until after the service while leaving the building that I learned Abigail was baptized in the same font Aaron was baptized in 34 years ago.  How cool is that?

Thanksgiving 2014

Adam making rolls with Aaron supervising

 At this point, I could probably cut and paste similar Thanksgiving posts from years past.  

Our traditions have become very familiar.

 Brent and Kathy are so awesome to open up their home for our annual feast.  We so enjoy gathering together and spending time talking, laughing, eating and eating and eating some more...

The kids' craft table.

 Hilary and Heather

 Tiffany, Heather, Hilary

Yep, we are the exact same height.

As more cameras appeared, we couldn't keep track of where we were suppose to be looking.

Hilary, Tiffany, Heather, Mom

 Larah and Cassidy

Shawn and Aaron demonstrate the comforts of this new reclining sofa coach set.

 

Tanner and Shawn - just chillin'.

 Dustin and Jake have perfected the "Poker Face".

 By 1:00pm, it was time to "Grab, Root and Growl" as G-ma June would have said.

 Even our meal assignments have become tradition - Adam on the rolls, Jake brings the fruit tray/dip, Heather provides the veggie trays, Dustin makes the root-beer and brings cheesecake, G-ma P makes the best stuffing and yams around (along with various other snacks/dishes) and of course Kathy's turkey/ham/mashed potatoes, raspberry pretzel salad and homemade chocolates.  As other family members are in/out town, they help out too for a fabulous feast!

Oakley, Abigail, Elsie - 2nd graders

Jameson - Oakley's sidekick for the day.

Oh yeah - this is gonna be good!

Jantzen, Anna, Jenna, Parker, Rilee

 It's impressive the way Kathy and Brent roll out carpets, set up tables and chairs and extend the party into their garage.

 Marcy helping herself to the root-beer.

After everyone ate their fill and then some, we headed to the bowling alley.

So did a few other Thanksgiving regulars (Keslers, etc.).  Because the extended families have grown, there were only enough open lanes for the children to bowl.  Maybe the owner will finally allow us to make appointments:).  I think some of the guys were disappointed to skip out on the annual bowling competition (the women, not so much).  It was too bad since the 'trophy department' really upped the program this year.  We'll try again next year.

 Elsie and Oakley watch the ball roll.

Jenna and Anna

Aaron and Heather

Jantzen and Britton

Dad and sister, Kathy

Abigail and Quinn

Brinley checks out the scores

Hilary and Heather - solving the worlds problems, no doubt.

 Aaron giving Quinn a few pointers.

 Shawn, Abigail, Tif and Cassidy with her amazing art book.

Quinn and Aaron

Elsie and Korinne

Jantzen

 By the time the bowlers were at the 7th frame, the scoring computers started going heywire...giving strikes and spares to the wrong bowlers, etc.  When the screens blanked out, we called it good and headed back for the fireworks show.

 Brent did a bang-up job keeping it going.

 Notice I'm the only person with a jacket on.  Yes, the weather this year was amazing.  Who would complain about 50 degrees on Thanksgiving Day in Idaho?

 When Symphony's family (Brinley's friend) stopped by to snag her for a little Black Friday shopping trip, we told them to look for the fireworks.  Sure enough, they found us without a problem.

 Dustin and Tanner enjoy the show.

 Time for the pinatas!

 Angry Birds pinata for the younger children.

 Unicorn pinata for the older children.

 Quinn took this opportunity seriously.  After watching him swing, I can understand why he recently asked me if he could play baseball this coming spring/summer.

 Elsie was all smiles.

 As the oldest of the younger group, Anna finally busted the thing open.

I've decided it doesn't really matters what's inside a pinata.  The process is the exciting part!

 Time to the big kids to take their turn.

 Of course, it didn't take as long to crack it open.

And the frenzied moment was over all too soon.

Our wonderful Thanksgiving Day was coming to a close.  G-ma and G-pa P's clan headed to our place and we settled in for the night.  Fortunately, we were able to spend more time together.

Korinne, Anna, Elsie, Oakley

 No, we did not head out for Black Friday shopping.  Are you kidding?  We slept in and then enjoyed speed walking around the neighborhood for a little exercise.  After Jantzen's basketball practice, Shawn, Adam, Aaron and Tanner ventured to the army surplus store and enjoyed lunch together while the kids played and ladies worked on projects or were foot-zoned.  Surprisingly, the adults were able to decide upon a movie ("Unconditional") to watch after getting the younger kids to bed.  

A great feel good flick!

 Many of them declared this to be a pajama day.

 For some reason, this was a common site.  

Shawn did a great job on clean-up duty and Tanner helped out.

 G-pa P assumed his position well.

 G-ma P insisted on snapping a few morning pics before everybody went their separate ways.  

Yes, we were still in our pj's.

 At least the C.'s were dressed.

 Grandchildren on the stairs.

 The S.'s caught flights from different airports but ended up at home around the same time.

One final dance party before saying our good-byes.

Happy Thanksgiving everybody and thanks for coming!