Lots to do...and lots got done...

No picture today...

I know, boring.

We had a busy day.

Before we left on vacation, or dishwasher went out.

Kinda a bummer.

But we didn't have to deal with it until now.

Yes, I know, a lot of people deal with living with no dishwashers...but I think that has mostly to do with kitchen room.

We did our own dishes for a couple days, and I actually find it relaxing...but way too time consuming.

So we set out this morning, trying to figure out how to fix it...and then figuring it is worth the money to just go buy a new one.

We saw lots of different kinds, and lots of different prices...but finally found the one we wanted...that was in stock!

We loaded up the dishwasher, then did our grocery shopping.

When we got home, Brent starting hooking up the new dishwasher...found out he needed another part, so he headed back to the store.

But it worked out, cause we loaded up our old dishwasher and RC Willey took it for us.

I spent a lot of my time editing pictures...I have so many to do, and I just want to get them all done so I can focus on Christmas...

Then this evening, after homework was done, we went through all the kids toys and weeded out all the stuff to take to DI.

The rooms are much cleaner and it always feels good to go through stuff...and the kids are happy to give their stuff to other little kids out there.

I also went through all of Elsie's clothes to pass don to my sister, Sara's, little girl Samantha.

They are coming to visit for a really short time on Saturday, but I am happy to get to see her.

So we got a lot done today...it would have been nicer to not have to buy a new dishwasher...but it sure is pretty, and quiet!

So I guess I got my Christmas a little early this year.

Technically I should say the girls got their present early, since they are the ones who do it most of the time.

And the craziness starts!!!

This is a terrible picture...but it represents what I am feeling right now!

Running around like a chicken with it's head cut off!

This is what I didn't want to do...I didn't want to stress out.

But somehow it is creeping in anyway!

There is so much to do and so little time.

But I am trying VERY hard not to let it all make me crazy!

Home at last...

Well, it was another LONG, snowy trip...

But we made it home safe, and that is what counts.

It was pretty bad the whole way, and the pass from the Utah state line and Burley was closed, so we had to go up through Pocatello, adding more time...but at least we got home.

We saw about 5 cars by the side of the road, and at that point the semi in front of us started to jack-knife...luckily he got back in control, because his back end was headed towards those people on the side of the road!

That would have been BAD!!!

Our other Thanksgiving dinner

We got to get together today to have more yummy food.

We had fun playing games and eating too much pie!

Elsie spent the whole day attached to Emmy's hip.

She sure LOVES her Emmy.

I got to take picture of sweet little Benjamin.

The kids got to have LOTS of cousin time.

It is always so great...they all get along so well and have so much fun together.

Of course we missed Sara and Aprils Families...but we will all get to see each other together again in the summer time.

Nathan, Cassi, Grandma Na, Ariel, and baby Benjamin playing games.

Of course we did some Triplet pictures.
Perfect again.
Aren't they so cute?

Homestead fun...

We made it here to Springville safe and sound.

Lots of fun things to do here at the Homestead.

Cassi thrives on one-on-one time.

She had so much fun hanging out with Grandma and gathering eggs.
Then she went with Grandpa to milk the goats.
It sure is fun here.
Tomorrow we get to have another Thanksgiving.
We will really miss you, April and Sara...and your families.
We will be thinking of you.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

HAPPY TURKEY DAY!!!

We had such a great time today.

We headed to Randolph this afternoon to have our Thanksgiving dinner with the Thomson Family.

It was so great.

I had the BEST stuffing I have EVER had!

Way to go, Nancy!

The kids all had a lot of fun.

Cassi and Lauren enjoyed their pie outside...it the FREEZING cold!

We played games and talked and just had a really great time!

Thanks to Nancy for hosting it.

It really was perfect!

Now tomorrow we head to Springville for more fun with my side of the family.

SNOW much fun!!!

Lots to do in the COLD, COLD snow!!!

But first on the list.....

Go see STRIP!!!
Strip was so excited to see Elsie!

Actually, so were Sundance and Dolly.

They ran right up to us.

(They probably wanted us to keep them warm!)

Then onto the snowmobile fun.

I guess we can put up with the cold if there are fun things to do with it!

Oh the SNOW!!!!

We left earlier than expected...

We wanted to beat the big storm coming in.

We made it here...with only 1 1/2 extra driving time.

We had some major visibility issues in places...

Drivers off the road EVERYWHERE!!!!

But we are here safe, and the kids are having fun in the snow already...

Getting ready!

We are trying hard to get everything done that we need to so we can get out of here before the storm gets here.

The kids have been pretty good about doing all the things I am asking them to do....

But this little face took it upon herself to pack her own bags.

What a big girl!

I just LOVE her!

Cake and present pictures...

Here are a few shots from Porters big day!

Porters Lighting McQueen cake!

Blowing out the candles...

Porter seeing his tool bench for the first time...

Watching Lightning McQueen's eyes moving...

TRACTOR!!!!

And wearing his cool new Bomber Jacket!

Awesome punching/wrestling bag from the Young's that will be getting A LOT of use!!!