Thanksgiving

We started Thanksgiving at Carl's Jr. for breakfast. It was hard to find somewhere that was open this year. Kent was sick on Thanksgiving for the second year in a row, so he and Corbin stayed home. It was just a quick breakfast and then we took some home to the boys and finished eating there.

For Thanksgiving dinner we went with the Thompson family to a church in Ogden. There were so many of my cousins there that I hadn't seen in such a long time. It was fun to be able to talk to them and catch up. My kids didn't love the huge crowd with people they didn't know, but it was a nice afternoon. They pretty much just stuck to their own cousins, except Claire. My little social butterfly was able to make friends to play with. Claire was super excited for Bingo too, because she had seen the prizes my mom bought for it. She got bingo first and didn't even choose one my mom brought, but was thrilled with her purse with a mini dog in it. 

We left Kent home while we were at dinner so we didn't stay too long. We went home and rested for a bit and then went out to Mark and Marianne's for pie. 

I was determined to get a family picture before Thanksgiving was over so we snapped this just as we were headed home for the night! I am so thankful for this amazing family of mine!

Van's birthday

Van turned three on Monday!!! He did not want to turn three. He was excited for his birthday and presents, but any time you asked how old he was he said he wanted to still be two. I put together later it was because I had told him so many times that three year olds don't have binkys. And I kept to that. We have been binky free this week and it has been completely fine. He is super tired because he won't nap anymore. Which is kind of a big deal because Van sure loved his naps. He would ask for them almost everyday. But now that he is three and binky free he is happy to be three. 

His birthday started Sunday night at Marianne's with cupcakes and presents.

On Monday, the kids all had school so I let him open one present before the elementary kids left. He loved his puzzle and stomped every piece into place like a dinosaur every time we put it together. I had good intentions to make the day fun, but it was too cold for the dinosaur park, which is what he asked for. The treehouse isn't open on Mondays, which was the other option, so we just played at home. That night we had to wait until pretty late for all of us to be home together but he was able to open the rest of his presents and he was thrilled. My parents came over so he got lots of presents that night. 

Van is seriously such a joy! I love the way he talks. My current favorites are he will say "whobody" instead of just who. "Whobody wants to get in my Jeep?" and he said ridiculous a lot. The other day he just kept telling me I was ridiculous for some reason or another. It's so cute! 

Kent's first swim meet

 I signed Kent up for his first swim meet about a month ago. I didn't have a single thing on my calendar and was so excited to finally see him compete. He has been on the team for a full year now and I was hoping there would be a close meet and there never was. I finally conceded and signed him up for one in Murray. After I signed him up, the calendar filled up quickly and all of the kids ended up having something that day. Matt took Kent to his swim meet and Morgan went to watch too. I think Kent enjoyed that Morgan was there since she is a pro at swim meets. I was sad I didn't get to watch or take pictures, but I am so proud of him! I don't know his times, but he said he enjoyed it. He raced the 100 IM and the 50 backstroke. He is such a strong swimmer, I love it! I can't wait until I get to watch him next time!

Taylor Swift movie

My sisters and I made a girls night out of the Taylor Swift Era's tour movie. Our theater crowd was a little lame and didn't sing or dance, but it still made for a great night! 

Halloween 2023

Halloween was fun this year. Everyone was super happy with their costumes and they all looked great! Maggie's was a lot of work, but she was a wonderful Queen of hearts. Claire's was cheap and easy and she was so thrilled to be mighty Skye from Paw Patrol. Van was a dinosaur, which is so fitting since he walks around all day roaring at everyone. Corbin didn't really want to dress up too much but has been wanting a professional soccer jersey so that worked out nice for him. Kent wanted to be Link from Zelda, the videogame. He was mostly interested in the sword and shield and was pleased when they came. 

The day was super busy. I got the kids ready in the morning and as soon as they were at school Van and I headed to the school for the costume parade. Right after the parade was the Kindergarten Halloween Program and it was the best! Claire sang her little heart out and loved every second of it! After that I took Van trick or treating at United Way with a friend from our ward Eloise and her mom Allison. It was simple, but fun to have something to do with Van while everyone was at school. Right after school we went out to Plain City to visit Grandma Davis and then Grandma Jenkins. We were pretty rushed at the Jenkins' because Kent had plans to meet up with his friends. Maggie went trick or treating in Pleasant View with Maybree and her friends. Corbin sat at home for a while and passed out treats until he met up with his friends to go trick or treating. Matt took Claire and Van around our neighborhood for a bit and then we switched and I took them around the block. They were pretty content with what they had so we didn't stay out very long. Everyone had a successful, fun night with more candy than they ever need.