Thanks Giving

I've been postponing this post because I had to prepare a talk for Sunday. My 4th talk in this ward! I should be getting good at it, but it is just as difficult every time.
We had a quiet Thanksgiving this year. For the first time since we've been married, we didn't go anywhere or host anyone for dinner. I missed the hub-bub a bit, but then again it was nice to sit around in our pajamas all day and have no schedule whatsoever. Dinner was ready when it was ready and we enjoyed some good food and spending time in a relaxed way with our family. Normally our family time is something that keeps us all busy, not that lets us hang around the house together. So here comes the traditional "I am thankful for..." list. Wouldn't be Thanks giving without it.

Chocolate, Berries, turkey, vegetables, okay-- just all food in general.

A hard-working, righteous husband

Roudy, but oh-so-adorable children.

My example-setting wonderful parents

My large and comfortable home

My new camera

Green things-- gardens and trees all things growing

Old carpet that it doesn't matter if the kids spill on

Liquidator stores and yard sales

Friends who will sing with me

And most of all, my Savior Jesus Christ and the Gospel.

Last Day-- Finally! Phew.

On our last day in California we went with Ammon and Talia to the Chula Vista Nature Center. They have a fun little sting ray petting pool which was of course the biggest hit of the day. On the way back to Grandmas, we had to pick up a send-off lunch from Point Loma Seafood, then it was pack pack pack and head to the airport. It was a great vacation, and it was so good to spend some time with Mike and Cassie and their kids and with Grandma and Grandpa Barfuss.

Family vacation, day 7

On day 7, Tuesday, Russ and I had a leisurely breakfast at a restaurant at Seaport Village. It was pouring rain! Then we stopped in at the California care center to visit Kerry's mom. Then we went to the temple again. Glad there was no protests there! (It was election day.) Anyway, we went home and got the kids and went back to the temple so they could see it and we could get some pictures. Then we went to La Jolla cove and saw seal beach and a beautiful sunset.

Family Vacation, Day 6

On Monday we went to the San Diego Wild Animal Park. Grandma and Grandpa came (Russ was at the vet conference again) and the kids had a great time. That evening I didn't bring my camera, but Mike, Cassie, Scott, Russ, and I went to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner and then Russ and I took off to the Holiday Inn on the Bay for some relaxing kid-free time. It was very nice!

Family Vacation, day 5

Day 5, Sunday: We went to church with Grandma (who insisted on puting curlers in Sissy's hair)and Grandpa and took pictures when we got home. Russ went to his conference workshop and we went to see Scott's snakes. He breeds boas. The kids loved holding the snakes. We had a little early birthday celebration for my mom, and just had a good time hanging out and playing games.