Thanksgiving

For those of you who know me well, you know family is hugely important to me. Many people think it's crazy to load up the van and drive 12 plus hours to spend a few days with our family. However, we find it fun and exciting. We are so blessed with such great family. Spending the days and nights hanging out with them laughing and relaxing was a treat. Here are some pictures of our trip. I couldn't wait to get my hands on 4 month old Logan. My WORD, that is possibly the happiest and most content baby I have ever met. I always heard the crazy stories of how aunties loved to smooch their nieces and nephews and well, I am here to tell you, I have joined that club. But hey, look at those gorgeous, chubby cheeks! Who could stay away from them? Look at how alert he is! He is just cooing and bonding and doing all that great stuff that makes parents (and grandparents) tear up as they see these kids bond. Pulling on my heart strings, since we don't live next door. More lovey time with the little chooch!

One really nice thing about going to the grandparents house= we don't need to bring toys. My mother in law (bless your heart Sandy) has meticulously stored and maintained so many of the boys toys from 30 some years ago. The kids are perpetually entertained. WOW! Scott's old transformers. Can you believe it??

The Cousins:

Elle adores being the oldest grandchild for many reasons. Now that there are other little ones around, she loves to dote on them, snuggle them, and do anything she can to "help out" with them. We have always known she has the maternal instinct but this weekend while she had lots of time with Logan, she was able to showcase her abilities. She loved holding him, talking to him, helping with diaper changes, bringing toys, and even just sitting near him. There is a part of me that is sad for her that she won't have another younger sibling. She begs for a sister, but in all honesty I think this family can only handle the two of us! :)

Of course whenever we are at Grandmas we can always expect the following things:

........A beautiful table overflowing with delicious food

.........Lots of love and snuggles

.......Endless laughter and entertainment

.......We are a game oriented family, just look how young we get them started playing cards.

........Lots of love and affection (even a mess or two)

.......male bonding (Ryan- note I didn't use a picture with Carter with his hand down his pants)

........Girl time

Kissy faces

Over the river and through the woods, to Grandma's house we go! The van knows the way (well at least with the help of the GPS) and we love to stay! Thanks for all the great memories, Gram!

It was so much fun this year to have ALL five of the grand kids together for a few days. As you can see from the pics the house was brimming with energy, love, and giggles.