The Holidays Begin . . .Thanks & Gratitude

Well, it looks like I'm having a bit of trouble keeping up with my blog!  It's not that our life is overly complicated or busier than the average folk, but somehow the days do get away from me.  It's already early December, and I realized that I hadn't yet documented our Thanksgiving events.  Before I know it, Christmas will be here, and though I vowed not to make this blog only about major event and travels, it seems that is the case lately.  Trust me, in between these special times there are plenty of simple, ho-hum days, which really isn't a bad thing, right?

OK, on to remembering November!  Now that all the kids live in Utah, it makes sense for Brent and I to head that way.  I left a few days ahead of Brent since I wanted to have plenty of time to help get ready for the holiday in Richfield with my parents.  Shockingly, Brent has a terrible track record of being able to get away on time (gasp!) and I didn't want to come rolling in an hour or two before dinner!  I was able to meet the kids for dinner in Provo on Monday night, and then head to Richfield.  This year the girls had Thanksgiving with their in laws, so it was just Brent, myself and Jace that were headed to Richfield.  Mark, Traci and their boys (Hunter, Keaton and Landon) arrived on Tuesday.  On Wednesday Shayla and Kara (Craig and Kristi's girls), Brent and Jace, and Megan, Sean and little Lincoln made it.  Jerry, Nate and McKayla arrived on Thursday morning.  We had 18 for Thanksgiving dinner.  It was a wonderful meal. 

That's Lincoln in the middle of the table!  Doesn't he make a great centerpiece?

On Friday we went bowling out to Jorgensen Lanes.  Whenever we all get together in Richfield, it is something we enjoying doing together.  I'm an OK bowler--I think I even had the high score for first game by a couple of pins, but I totally bombed on the second game.  Jace was awarded the first Forsey Family Bowling Tournament Trophy for the high average score.  He just beat out his Dad! 

He's looking pretty serious about this!  That's my Dad with Jace and the trophy. 
Traci put it together from the DI!  It's perfect. 

Landon is such a handsome 5 year old--he has gorgeous blue eyes.  McKayla is equally beautiful,
 and of course baby Lincoln is a sweetheart.

On Saturday we went back up north to spend a few days with Brittney and Stuart and Camille and Russ.  We had some family photos taken, so hopefully they will turn out.  We had a nice Thai dinner and just hung out.  On Sunday we were able to surprise my brother Jerry for his 50th birthday which was on November 30th.   It was an awesome surprise--family, friends, ward members and neighbors all gathered and rang his doorbell.  When he opened it a bunch of people were there with balloons, cake and ice cream and just lots of love and well wishes for him.  Happy Birthday Jerry!

I was away about 10 days in all.  It was great being with family.  That's what Thanksgiving is all about.  Now it's only a few weeks until the kids all head this way for Christmas.  I'm excited for us to all be together again.  Jace is looking forward to actually celebrating Christmas this year--it turns out that Japan doesn't really recognize any Christian holidays!  We have been so blessed already this season. . . I'm thrilled to become Grandma Ang sometime this July!  Brittney and Stuart are just beginning a pregnancy. . . we are so very grateful.  Check out her blog for details.  Miracles still happen!