We hadn't planned on going home this year for a visit. But Ben's brother called us a few weeks before Thanksgiving and offered to fly us out to a big gathering at his place. We very gratefully accepted the offer.
So....Instead of cooking Thanksgiving dinner in the glorified sauna/closet that is our kitchen,
we got to spend it in this kitchen, which is literally the size of our whole apartment. :)
The best part was that we got to be with 40 other members of Ben's family, some of which we haven't seen since before we moved here. It was wonderful to see everyone.
It's never dull when Ben's family gathers. This was a pressurized canon that catapulted things into the air.
Samara loved the cooler weather and being able to play outside for hours without sweating. It was everything we could do to get her come inside.
Grandma and Grandpa
Lizzie loved all the attention she got from her sweet cousins.
Aunt Shanna hosted a PP party. Pajamas, treats that start with a P, and fun games. I believe the other "P" stood for princess but that changed when the boys wanted to join. When it was Samara's turn to be Simon, I overheard her from the other room, "Spank your booty. Spank your booty." Oh dear. What happened to jump up and down, pat your head, etc.?
Then there was duck, duck, goose. She chose her goose and
then she was off.
The game has lost much of its appeal here at home. But we're still keeping it real. :)
Our girls are so LUCKY to have so many wonderful cousins. We loved seeing everyone and are very grateful we got to visit the states.
P.S. This trip was a great way to relive the newborn phase or at least the sleep part of it. I was only semi-coherent this week...ok I've been in this state for a while now.
Ha ha. Love the duck, duck, goose with the toys. I'm glad you got to go home for a visit.
ReplyDeleteHey, that's crazy - my post was on January 13th, and it isn't even the afternoon of the 12th over here!
ReplyDeleteI love your posts, Cheryl. The girls are getting soo big! I love Lizzie's eyes, my goodness she sure is in her body - isn't she?
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting all these great pics, Cheryl. Now I almost feel like we were there :) Your girls are so darn cute! I wish we could be around them to get to know their little personalities.
ReplyDeleteWe had so much fun with Ben but sure missed you and the girls. My kids were in heaven and completely mauled him to death!!! He is such a great uncle and was so sweet with the kids. This morning Ella woke up when he was showering and gave him another hug goodbye. When she told me she woke up and got to say goodbye again she said "I was hoping that would happen!" And when Finn woke up his first question was "Where's Uncle Ben?" When I told him he was gone, he was so sad and asked when he would be coming back.
Thanks for the cute presents for Ella - they were a big hit! We sent a ridiculously late baby gift for Lizzie and a b-day gift for Samara with him. I hope the girls enjoy them!
It was great to catch up on your blog! I've again rededicated myself to the blogging world. :) Cambodia looked awesome and so did Thanksgiving! Where did you spend it? (It looked too warm for November :) By the way craziest story. . . we were at Walmart the other night and I asked this total stranger in front of me about a baby nose irrigator (or something like that) Anyhow I mentioned that we just moved from Singapore and we've been sick non-stop so I'm trying to find something to keep Crew's nose clear. Long story short she says she knows one person in Singapore. . . YOU! I think her name was Emily. They said they used to live in the Carribean. THey were really nice and it was such a HUGE coincidence! Utah is such a small world! ;) Miss you guys.
ReplyDeleteLove the post. Your girls are beautiful as always. We are so glad you got to spend time with family for the holidays. Miss you tons.
ReplyDeleteNice to see so many people I'm sure! I love that picture where Samara has things set out to play "Duck, Duck, Goose"! She's such a cutie & so is Lizzie! BTW, Jonathan was always the 6th percentile in height & weight. His legs have gotten a little longer but there are still one year olds that are as tall as his 2 year & 4 month old self! I think she's just perfect!
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