Thanksgiving in Utah

For Thanksgiving we took off on a jet plane for Utah! We were off to visit the Bean Family for the holidays. Everyone was so thrilled, especially the girls, who got to miss 3 days of school.

I caught the beautiful picture of the majestic Rockies from the airplane. 

 Immediately upon arriving the cousins were playing games and loving on each other! Sorry was the game of choice for the week.

 We all went to a nursing home to have an FHE with the adorable Grandma's and Grandpa's there. I was really not looking forward to this. We were tired, having just barely landed in Utah. And I have a general fear of old people. But these people were so much fun and loved playing Head Bands with the kids. And they each shared some pretty amazing life stories, some involving encounters with Apostles.

 More Sorry

 We took a quick trip down to Provo to visit BYU. It felt like going home. I sure hope my kids will want to go there!

 We had our own little Turkey bowl. Some wanted to play soccer and other wanted to play football. So we divided up and played our own games. Then we all combined for a BIG football game. I think everyone was pretty sore the next day.

Upon Dallin's request, we made many stops for slurpees!

 ...more Sorry! (there pretty much was a game going on at all times)

 This was a pre-Thanksgiving dinner at Tim and Kathy's new place. They just moved to Utah from California. I loved seeing all the cousins sitting together at the table. It brought back some great memories of my own cousins. I never got a picture of the actual Thanksgiving dinner at Jeff and Carrie's, but it was just as great!

 Dallin fell in love with Sean and Kelly. And they were super sweet with Dallin.

 The girls all really bonded together. They pair up perfectly with their ages.

 They spent quite a bit of time secretly planning some amazing dance shows.

 There was also a lot of singing and piano playing.

 Despite the bitter cold temperature, we ventured into Salt Lake City to see the temple lights. It was gorgeous and I'm so glad we didn't pass up that opportunity. We enjoyed the lights and then all got hot chocolate, thanks to Grandma Bean.

 And it finally snowed! It was just enough to play in and have a good time.

 We spent one day at a trampoline park. It put our little Charlottesville park to shame. This place was huge and so much fun. Aliza got pretty good at her back flips into the foam pit.

And Carmen hung on for dear life on the ropes.

 

 Have I mentioned we played a lot of Sorry?

 Charlotte with Harley - they both are in first grade.

A cousin group picture. We sure wish everyone could have been there! It was hard to say good bye. We sure do love seeing everyone and being with cousins.