Thanksgiving 2019...

We hosted Thanksgiving at our house this year and were so grateful to spend the day with so many members of our family.  Life isn't perfect at our house, but we certainly have so much and so many people to cherish.  Despite the ups and downs of life we are incredibly blessed and try to remember that each and every day.  This year we have been especially aware of how fortunate we are to have good health and warm beds  where we can rest from the world - it can feel trite to have those at the top of the list, but this year we have really felt these blessings.

After dinner and pie, we all headed out to the movie theater. Grandpa Broadbent was the hero of the day and bought everyone tickets to see Frozen II.  Most of us loved the movie...there were a few sleeping dads, but they at least appreciated the nap.  After the movie everyone else headed home, but me and Tim and the kids walked over to the Riverwoods to look at the lights.  Santa wasn't home, but we still loved the chance to enjoy the lights without any crowds.

Not sure how we got so lucky to have snow on Thanksgiving,

But the kids definitely took advantage.

Park City November 2019

We tried out a new place in Park City and had a great time exploring.  Turns out November is a great time to go...there were not very many people at the hotel so we really felt like we had the place to ourselves.  When I went back through my photos I realized just how few I took during the weekend.  There wasn't a lot to see because we basically spent all of our time either swimming, in the arcade, or hanging out in the room playing games and watching movies.  Most of us stayed in pajamas or sweats the whole time which definitely equals a fantastic break. 

Ruby is always happiest when she has a project.

The arcade threatened to put us in the poor house,

But the kids had the greatest time playing and earning points.

We did make it outside for a few minutes.

But then hustled our way back to the pool.

Luke discovered ping pong and is now obsessed

The tub in our room was even better than the hot tub by the pool.

Coziest kids

October Miscellaneous 2019

We spent a Saturday afternoon in Santaquin at a fall festival,

The kids were in heaven with all of the cousin time.

After the party Grandpa put them to work planting tulips,

The kids were all pretty excited to earn a few dollars for their efforts

They all adore Grandpa!

As with every month, Ruby spent a lot of time doing art projects.

It doesn't happy as often as we want, but we love

When we are able to have the entire family together.

This is how it often feels trying to get a good shot

Luke's second grade class had a special grandparents' day and he was thrilled that Grandpa and Grandma Broadbent were able to be a part of the event.  Luke spent time interviewing and learning more details about his grandparents and they had so much fun together.  I loved reading all of his thoughts and their responses.  What a lucky kid!  

Country & Western day at Lakeview Elementary

Most mornings I get up early and finish my workout before the kids are even awake.  But sometimes, I start late enough that we can have a full family workout.  On this particular morning I was running on the treadmill while Tim and Luke did yoga and Ruby lifted weights. 

The neighborhood crew spent an afternoon creating and practicing the play "The Princess and the Frog".  They were so excited to perform, and me, Nikki and Kammy had the best time watching.

The weather has been funny this October - a few days with sunshine, but a lot of times it was super cold.  The kids tried to take advantage of the mild weather any time they got the chance. 

Metal detecting prodigies

While Luke played basketball, Ruby drew our entire family.

We were able to get one last visit in before Lagoon closed for the season  Going while they have Frightmares set up makes it even more fun.  We avoid the scary spook alleys, but the kids have a great time at all of the trick or treat alleys. 

Tim was able to chaperone Ruby's field trip to a play.

Luke started his second grade season of basketball.  He has improved so much from last year and started out by making a basket in his very first game.  The team is made up of all of his neighborhood friends so it is really fun to watch them all play together.  

Jessica invited me to be a part of her wedding dress shopping and I was completely thrilled and honored.  She has grown into the most amazing woman, and I loved watching her grace and beauty shine through as she tried on dresses.  She ended up with the most perfect gown and I can hardly wait to see her walk down the aisle.