Cookie Night

We've learned the hard way that cookie night can be vomitous if not balanced with some sort of protein. This year we celebrated cookie night with homemade soups and rolls. Cassi's Shrimp of the Devil was a big hit--and very spicy. Good stuff. Everyone brought soup and rolls to share and then we pigged out on cookies. Here Cassi, Oscar, Kelsee and Burro eat on the floor. Not sure why--except we didn't have extra chairs.

The grandkids and Austin loved playing together, eating soup, munching on cookies and painting ornaments. They each got a present from the advent calendar and spent the evening running through the house and screaming. Next year, Gregor, Ryon and Laya will be joining them on their quest to create unholy noise.

Jason demonstrated that fatherhood has increased his ability to look intimidating--even while eating soup. Even though it was snowy and cold outside, Dad, Virginia and Carol joined us and it was great fun having everyone together.

Meet Chalese

Tom's daughter Chalese came to visit from Arizona. It was a lot of fun meeting her and being around her. The gang got together for hamburgers and after mingling with the family she's probably trying to talk her dad out of being around me.

Laya got hot fudge on her face and spent the evening licking it off her cheeks. She has the tongue of a giraffe.

North Carolina

Thanksgiving in North Carolina is nothing like Thanksgiving in Utah. First, it was warm, sunny and beautiful enough that we could eat outside.

Second, the Santas in North Carolina seem very, very jolly.

Third, mom, Dyion, Heather and Scott are not in Utah. What's up with that?

Fourth, an after-Thanksgiving horseback ride is a must. Here are the three cowpokes Tom, Kelsee and Mick.

Last, I've never gone to the beach during Thanksgiving week. I really think we need a beach in Utah.

We all had a blast in Leland with the kinfolk who showed us a real good time. Tom was introduced to gun-totin' relatives, hush puppies and North Carolina barbecue. Kelsee and Mick's recreation of the first Thanksgiving was heartwarming and historically accurate--right down to the sombrero.