Thanksgiving in Utah

We had to take advantage of being "closer" to home and make a visit for Thanksgiving.  "Closer" is a relative term, as it was still a 16 hour drive.  We love our home of Southern Utah, and seeing family and friends.  We actually tag-teamed with our buddies here in WA to make the drive.  Byron is also from Southern Utah and they were planning on going down for the holiday too.  Score!  

We decided to meet up and do the St. George Turkey 10k Gobbler.  It was a chilly, but beautiful morning.  I used my sweat band as ear warmers.  I was numb the first 2 miles.  I made my goal of running under an hour, although I have had some shin splints trying to make an appearance.  Tyler so lovingly stayed by my side, although I know he had the itch to run ahead!  

 They had a kids run that the two older ones participated in.  They were frozen to the bone and didn't think it was that exciting.  It was really short.  But they were happy to get a t-shirt and sweatband out of the whole thing.

 Ellionna wanted to feel included.

My mom decorated the table so pretty.  

Here are the kids about ready to dig in.

And the littles had their own table.

We missed my younger brother joining us.  He got rear-ended the night before as he started the trek down from SLC.  There car was totaled, but luckily nobody was hurt.

Aunt Kari is the creative one and all the kids enjoyed making some turkey crafts.

We also enjoyed a second Thanksgiving meal with the Sherman family.  Sorry no pics were taken.

 We went down to the elementary to play one day.   I had to laugh because I found some graffiti with a name that we know.  "Brxon Barr and Lexi Sherman; Tick Tack Toe Masters"  Luckily it was good.... you often don't find that with graffiti.

We decided to stay in SLC one night before we headed home, so we could venture over to temple square and see all the lights. Of course, it was crazy busy!  The weather was quite warm and as you see from the pics, most of the kids shed their coats.

Overall, it was a great trip!  Making memories with the family is the best!

So a little side story for this next picture....
Jordan and Gavin were introduced to a certain youtube video while on vacation.  It was commentary of someone playing a video game.  Well, apparently the video scared Jordan full force.  The first few nights were pretty long with him.  He has never been so scared in his life!  Now, after a week, it is just getting old as he still claims to be scared.   So instead of Jordan turning to us for comfort, he has turned to Gavin.  Gavin so bravely has stated that he is not scared and will protect his older brother.  Gavin so lovingly will sleep with Jordan every night now, so help him feel better.  I'm happy to see this kind of bonding and brotherly love from these two!