Thanksgiving 2010

On Wednesday, I left at 3:30 A.M. to drive to Caliente for Thanksgiving. I took I-5 south through Las Vegas then back up in order to avoid the storms on Donner's Pass. I arrived at 3:30 that afternoon. By 4:00 my nephew, Hafen called to ask if I could go on a bike ride with him. I went over to their house and Hafen, Hudson and I went for a bike ride. I had a great time (I hope they had as a good of a time that I had!). Later that day and on Thursday we had most the rest of the family arrive. Everyone except Brenda and Andrew were able to be there. They had planned on being there, but storms and closed roads prevented it. Brenda, Andrew, Keagan, Deker and Bauer we all missed you. Thursday morning several went out to the gun range to go skeet shooting. I didn't go out in the beginning, but went out later and joined in on some of the fun. That afternoon we had dinner. We had 38 people there and STILL had left-overs!!! That afternoon we relaxed and quite a few of us of joined in on some mattress surfing down my parents stairs. I had never done it, but apparently some of younger siblings did when they were younger. Some left Thursday evening, most of Friday then the rest of us left Saturday morning. I left at 9:30. Due to traffic in many areas, I didn't get home until 11:00. A good weekend at home with family was well worth the over 1400 miles I drove there and back. Thank you mom and dad for hosting us and going to so much work to provide a great dinner and a great weekend!



In the bunker releasing the skeet.





Getting hugs from my nephew, Sawyer!



Before Dinner.



After Dinner.



Mattress surfing down my parent's stairs.

Happy Birthday Mom!!!

Thursday, November 4, 2010 was my mom's 60th Birthday. We had the opportunity to surprise her this last weekend. My dad rented a vacation home in Salt Lake City. Most arrived on Thursday. I arrived on Friday morning. After I got in, most of us went to the zoo. Surprise number 3 was Friday night. We all went to Arctic Circle. We had arranged ahead of time for my dad to call Alma when they got close and meet for dessert. We hid behind the play ground and when my parents arrived we all walked out and surprised her! Surprise number 2 was Saturday morning. Since Neal is serving a mission in Brazil, my dad asked him to email a special letter to my mom. He read it just before breakfast. It was a very touching and beautiful letter. Surprise number 3 was Saturday night. My mom and dad went out to get ice cream for dessert. While they were out, most of my mom's siblings that live in the area arrived at the rental home. We had a great visit with lots of laughs. Sunday morning we attended church with Alma and Matti. It was great weekend and we all had a wonderful time. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM, I LOVE YOU!!!

The Zoo.






Surprise number 1!!!














Playing games and enjoying the beautiful weather we had!













Surprise number 3!






Giving out the rubber band guns I made for all my nieces and nephews and my siblings!




Reading to several of my nieces and nephews while their parents got packed and ready cleaned things up.


Family photo. The only person is Neal, who is serving a mission in Brazil!