Thanksgiving et al . . .

Grandpa Paul, Preston, Eve & Kurtis at the saddle shed.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving in St. David this year. We got to be with Grandma Sue and Grandpa Paul, Karina, Devon, Alan, and the Welkers. As usual, the horses were a big hit, as was the new tire swing on the cottonwood nearest the barn. Thursday we enjoyed a delicious Thanksgiving dinner (great cranberry sauce Marla) and the boys (Alan and Devon) took us shooting. Alan and Devon also learned that some things just aren't worth the money -- for example, swimming the pond for $50 in November. Friday, Devon taught me how to rope -- actually, he just reminded me -- I was roping back when he was in diapers. The Smith's came that evening and shared some delicious steak along with a repeat of all the Thanksgiving leftovers. Saturday we lazed around, rode 4-wheelers and the go-kart, raced boats on the pond and watched the UofA beat ASU. Very satisfying. We were also so very saddened by the passing of cousin Heather Kartchner to cancer. Our hearts especially ache for Eldon and her little ones. We are so grateful for family and every opportunity we have to be with them.  

Eve is a little unsure about the new tire swing.

Eve and Lydia riding Buddy.

Eve and Julie -- thanks Karina for the sweatshirt --I really liked it until you took it back. I'm thinking of getting one that says Farm Girls Houses Ain't Afraid to Be Dirty.

Eve loved the shooting expedition to the wash.

Devon shows Carter all the tricks.

Alan and Bradley.

Just before Thanksgiving we were grateful to finish up my quilt for the year. Cowboy themed using an enlarged version of Grandmother's Flower Garden pattern. The quilters at the Gilbert Historical Museum hand-quilted it and did a fabulous job.

Alex always looks so good modeling my quilts.

Cousin Megan Shumway had a story-book themed birthday party. The kids were supposed to go dressed as their favorite book character. Carter is Ferdinand the bull, Bradley is Slim (from Hank the Cowdog) and Lydia is a princess. It was a fun party.

Carter was really, really, really wanting a picture with his little cousin Sadie. She is cute.

Cousin Bella also had a birthday in November. We got to go to her birthday party and also help her celebrate again on the actual day of. Double the cake, double the fun. Here Eve, Lauren, Anna, Emmeline, Bella, Carter, Rod & Alex prepare the celebration.

Bella blows em out!