A Lot To Be Thankful For

We were so grateful to be able to spend Thanksgiving weekend with my family. We made the long drive to Utah...and it was definitely worth it. We had a lot of fun in the four days we were there, and the girls surprised us on how relatively well they did on the long car ride.

We arrived late Wednesday afternoon and were greeted by almost my entire family that had come from as far as California, and as near as down the highway a few miles. After unloading the car, it was already time for our first holiday outing. We bundled up and headed to Heber Canyon with my parents, siblings, nieces and nephews. There we took a ride on the "Polar Express" (a train normally called the Heber Creeper that they deck out with Christmas decorations.) We took about an hour and a half train ride to the "North Pole" and back while we were served hot cocoa and cookies, listened to The Polar Express (the book) read aloud, and were even visited by Santa Clause and his wife! As you can imagine, Grace had a magical time. She loved the idea of riding on a train and looked around constantly with wide eyes. When Santa asked Grace what she wanted for Christmas she replied, "A bell." (Having just heard the story that was fresh on her mind.) She was delighted when Santa handed her a bell (as he did to every other child on the train as well.)

Grace and Eve had so much fun playing with their cousins. It was so enjoyable to have all of the Grandkids together at one time. I don't think that has ever happened before. Aaron and I also had fun visiting, shopping, and playing basketball with my family. We had a beyond delicious Thanksgiving dinner and pie galore. I am so thankful for Thanksgiving and the opportunity it gives me to reflect on my many, many blessings.