Chase had a conference out in Salt Lake the week before Thanksgiving so I tagged along so I could visit family back in Idaho during his conference and then we decided to extend through Thanksgiving. It was so nice to go back to Idaho and be with family during this time. My parents picked us up from the airport and we were able to attend the SLC Temple. Our first time ever. It was so neat. I kept thinking about the sacrifices of the pioneer saints and all they went through to build these early temples. I am thankful for those who have gone before.
Me and my parents.
It was snowing so I had to sneak a picture underneath some protection. Isn't it amazing?!
We ended up bunking up at my aunt & uncle's (Jane & Val's) place that Saturday evening. They were such wonderful hosts. It was fun to visit them and their home- I have such fun memories when I was younger of spending weeks in the summer there with my cousin Karen. We also visited Karen and her family at their lovely home and played games and chatted it up!
After attending church with my Aunt and Uncle on Sunday, we eventually hit the road and headed for Idaho (after dropping Chase off at his hotel). The next week was so fun with family and friends. My parents took a few days off and we were able to spend some lovely time together. Chase arrived in Idaho Thursday evening and the next day we headed to his parent's to stay a few days.
During our stay at his parent's we celebrated Drake's birthday!
Birthday cake!
We played lots of games, watched movies, played ping pong and enjoyed being together! It was so fun and we look forward to more time at Christmas!
Chase, Gracey, and Mom sorting food into the boxes.
The Wednesday before Thanksgiving my family had the opportunity to go to the food bank to help out. It was such an awesome experience especially with lots of family around. I loved it! My sister Sarah and her family came in the night before and it was so fun to have all the nieces and nephews around.
Sarah and Anna taping up boxes!
What a fun time! Service and family what better things are there?
I love this sign. Every time I see it I smile. It is just so quaint so I had to get a picture of it!
Thanksgiving Day!
Prepping dinner...Anna and Emma making rolls.
Our nieces and nephews made these cute turkey's for the table centerpiece. So cute!
My "cowboy" nephew Benjamin!
Becca & Aaron! Love nieces and nephews! They are so fun!
Chase and me on Thanksgiving day!
Having fun carving the turkey!
Me and my mom!
Thanksgiving Dinner time!
Eating!
Here is Benjamin being funny! He was cracking us up because he would put the ducky in his mouth and then blow it out! So funny!
After eating a bunch of us fell asleep and later we played games as a family. It was a wonderful day. I am so thankful for this holiday season. It causes me to reflect upon the many many blessings in my life. The gospel is one of the most meaningful parts in my life. It gives me direction and so many answers to life's questions. I am grateful for parents who taught me not only through words but also through their examples. I am grateful for a wonderful husband who is my bestest friend in the whole wide world! I am so grateful for my Savior, His birth and life and most of all for a loving Heavenly Father who grants so many blessings and tender mercies in my daily life.
There is so much to be grateful for!
