Well, we really are trying not to make this a montly event...we'll get better at this.
It has been a busy month. My sister Megan came home from her mission (really last month, but she travelled around Europe with Dad and Janae). Welcome Home, Megan. We finally got to go see her at Thanksgiving, very fun. They also went to visit Erik & Tiffani's family in Germany. Their new little one broke the gender tie that Andrew worked so hard to create... Now my parents have 20 granddaughters and 19 grandsons. (Poor Audrey, not only did she break the tie, 3 weeks later, she went on to break her leg. Hope all recover quickly!)
Jason, Rick's brother, came out for a quick, but busy visit. Rick, Jason, and Lexie went to Nuggets vs. Knicks game on the 17th. They also went with some CO cousins. It was "Family Night" at the Pepsi Center, but unbeknownest to them it was also '70s night. And wouldn't you know it, but the only people that stood the entire game happened to be sitting right in front of them, wearing gigantic afro wigs (not the easiest things to see over). Oh well, it was a fun game anyway. It's always fun when the home team wins.
Two days later, Rick and Jason went to Monday Night Football and got to see another win for the home team. Before the game, they stopped in at the Jack n' Grill for a "small" bite to eat. It's a good thing we didn't try the 7 lb. burrito, because those burgers were bigger than some countries.
Too bad Rick doesn't like professional sports...he hasn't been to many games lately.
The rest of that week was full of cleaning, packing, and more cleaning before we headed off to Utah for Thanksgiving. Heather hosted it this year for my side of the family but unfortunately, only 45 could make it. Maybe next year... No, it really was so much fun to have so many of us together. Lexie and Joseph loved playing with all of their cousins. They especially loved playing "Builder" with Grant. They still ask when they can go play with him again. Andrew sure loved all of the attention, too. It was a lot of fun catching up with everyone, playing games, and just being amazed at how beautiful, talented, and awesome all of our nieces and nephews are. We sure have a great family.
Friday night we all headed down to Lindon for a rare Smith Family gathering. What a great time having-don't even know how many cousins/aunts/uncles together! So much fun!
Then, to top it all off...we had another family gathering with Rick's family up in Boise. Rick's brother, Scott, blessed his baby and it was fun to be able to make it to that event and see lots of family there as well.
On the way back to Colorado, we stopped in Utah again and got to see Rick's Grandma & Grandpa Reeder. The kiddos sure got a kick out of seeing "Daddy's Grandma & Grandpa." We think they sure got a kick out of the kids, too. Luckily, we also got to visit with Rick's Uncle David & Aunt Andrea.
We had quick stops with the Armknecht's, Rytting's, Hogge's, and Jensen's. It was a quick trip, but very packed with lots of good family time. Thanks everyone for your hospitality and letting us win some games!
Rick got a new calling before we left. He is the 11 yr old Scout Master (moved up from assistant). Sadly, I got a new one, too. I had just gotten used to teaching Gospel Doctrine, feeling like it was the "perfect Mom calling"...and then- I got yoinked into Primary. I'm the new 2nd Counselor. It's fun, but also a lot more work (we don't exactly have a small primary). I'm slowly getting the hang of things and a few names here and there.
Now that we are looking at our November calendar, Rick noticed he'd forgotten Stephanie's birthday. Sorry, Steph. Happy belated birthday!
And for your viewing pleasure, here are a few random pictures of the kids.
Joseph & Lexie playing balerina-Rick hates it when they (Joseph) play this...
Just being plain cute.
Lexie riding her trusty steed, Cactus.
Joseph riding his trusty steed, Cutie.
I wonder who will win this horse race?
