Thanksgiving in Utah

 I think in the 17 years of being married to this man, I have only had to cook 1, yes, 1 Thanksgiving dinner all by myself.  Most of our early married years, he would work doing Christmas trees with his dad and so our Thanksgivings were spent in Utah or apart, he in Utah, me on the beach in CA.  But since his father passed a few years back, and the tree business being sold, we get to spend the day together now.  It doesn't stop us from coming north and visiting his family and remembering all the great things we love about Utah and Parker traditions.

We spent the week with Grandma Parker, mowing her lawn, riding scooters to the park, playing in the leaves, bowling with our Parker cousins who joined us this weekend, and eating plenty of food - thanks to Natalie and Steve!  I don't think we saw much of Cole, as he and Aaron were stuck to each other's side, and the girls were happy to have Sydney, Ashlyn, Lauren, and Anna to hang around with too.  They love having older sisters!

Kate in the leaves

 Lizzie

 Max

 I Love the Fall and didn't realize how much I miss the mountains til we come back.

 I love the fact that these 3 don't mind me taking their pictures.  They are perfect subjects!

 Bowling

 Kate

 Lizzie and Wendy

 Chad and Max were little buddies this weekend.  And just like last year, Chad was able to get Max to go to sleep just by sitting with him, holding him, and lulling him to sleep as he read his map on his phone to him.  Max was so tired but loved every minute of being with the Parker Clan!

 "Yes!"

 We even managed to squeeze in a trip down to Salt Lake and enjoy a night on Temple Square, including Grandma Parker.  This was a huge feat since we had so many in tow.  The Steven Parkers, The Wilsons, The Chad Parkers, the Jason Parkers, and our family make quite a crew.  Unfortunately, due to little fingers, my pictures on my camera were erased and we'll just have to rely on our memories of that night (or check facebook, I think I posted a few).

And then it was time for us to say good-bye once again to this beautiful little lady.  As she continues her battle with bone cancer, I am continually impressed at her strength and her positive attitude to keep moving forward.  Nothing gets this little lady down and she is still so independent despite the pain that she is enduring.  She never will let you know exactly how much pain she is in and she just concentrates on the good things in life and enjoys all the small things in life.

I don't know how I got so lucky to be part of this family, but one thing I do know...this Thanksgiving I am grateful for all the many people and blessings in my life, especially my family.