Horseback Riding

The day before Thanksgiving, we went up to Brigham City for the afternoon to go horseback riding with my sister and her family.  Thanks so much to the Rasmussens for accepting my invitation of inviting my family to go horseback riding with them.  We were actually invited to go up there a few years ago, and my kids have not forgotten it, so I kind of invited our family to tag along with them this year.  After all, she is my sister, and you can say things to sisters you wouldn't even think about saying to anyone else, right?

They were so kind enough to oblige and saddle up the ponies and the horses so we could take a ride.  

The kids were a little apprehensive at first when they were feeding the ponies, but most of them did just fine.

Here are most of the kids -- Ryan, Sarah, Bella, Ali, Caleb, Bryn, Sam, and Megan.

Josh and Katelyn were off doing all the work for us.

Riding in the pony cart

Sam and Ali were busy playing with stuff they found.  Honestly, I couldn't tell you what they were doing, but they stayed occupied for most of the time.

Sher let Ali hold onto the reigns on the pony cart.

Bella and Bryn riding the horse.

Jeff, Ryan, & Sarah, freezing their little patooties off.

Bella and Caleb

Ali and Sarah

Ryan was the last one to ride before it got too dark.

We had such a fun time.  It is nice to know people who have stuff.  

Thank you Shon and Sher for your kindness and willingness to allow us to come and ride the horses with you.  We all had a blast!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving this year.  It was our year to stay here and have dinner with Jeff's family.  It has been 4 years since we were here when everyone else was, so this was especially nice.  I just love this holiday, I love the meaning of it.  I think we spend way too much time worrying about so much stuff that really does not matter and forget to do some of the small things that may seem a little bit insignificant, like being thankful for the many blessings we have.

This year we had a kid table and I think it was an absolute brilliant idea.  Everyone got to sit where they really wanted to.

These 3 boys just had to show off their turkey cups that they slaved over all morning long.

Ali and Abby were just happy to sit by each other with no parents around them telling them what to eat and how much of it they had to eat.  Who knows if they even ate anything except the olives????  And who really cares????

Sydney, Sarah, Lauren, and Bella -- What cute cousins/sisters!!!

After the meal, we took time to share with each other some of the things we were most thankful for.  This was such a great time for all of us.  The kids went first and then they were able to go play downstairs, leaving the "adults" (the term is being used a little bit loosely) to share some of our most treasured feelings.  Many tears were shed and I think, without question, the overwhelming consensus was that we have a pretty darn special family.

Then, one of the best traditions, the men did the dishes and cleaned up the kitchen.  

We have such a wonderful family!

I hope you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving as well.