There was a time in my blogging life that I made a post every Sunday night.  I never thought I'd be the once-a-monther, but as the days and nights continue to blur together, it's just another thing that slips lower and lower down the totem pole.  I keep hearing about how I need to get baby on a schedule, but I'm too busy snuggling him to hear any of that business!  I was worried traveling for Thanksgiving might mess up his routine, but all the down-time while there got us in a very pleasant eat-play-sleep routine that he seems to enjoy. Despite still being up 3-5 times a night, at least we have a better idea of what to expect.

It was so nice to get out of the house and go to Bear Lake for Thanksgiving.  The change of scenery on top of the fact that I've never seen Bear Lake in the fall was a breath of fresh air that I needed!  I had so much help with baby-holding that I got to take a few breaks from my love-muffin, which were nice.  I took some pictures for the Eyrings and while it was discouraging that I felt so rusty behind the lens, it's always good to get out of your comfort zone for a minute.


This Thanksgiving was unique since Mom contracted pinkeye and didn't want to expose anyone to it until her antibiotics had a little bit of time to work.  We pushed Thanksgiving to Friday and just relaxed on the actual holiday.
I was happy to see Connor embrace board games this trip.  Finally!


Marshall was too cute with Harrison the whole time, save the last 5 minutes before we walked out of the door, proclaiming that he hates babies.  Marinda had asked if any nicknames had stuck for Harrison yet, and I said no, but Marshall called him "cutie pie baby" for days and it has definitely stuck.


The food at Bear Lake is always a focal point, and this cheese spread by Dave did not disappoint!


I'm pretty sure now that the trailer is being kept on the lot to bridge the memories of old and new.  Seeing the float reminds me of Anthony reconstructing the old one, then laying out with Emilee and Stephanie as we talked about our crushes, then the time it was carpeted with the red carpet from my bedroom, to playing King of the Float when we were kids with Uncles Mark and Clark.  Seeing the trailer reminds me of Grandma and Grandpa and holds too many memories to delve into, but the span of them is what's impressive. Only missing Bear Lake a few times in my entire life has led to lots of happy memories and LOTS of nostalgia.


It's fun to see the middle ground between summer and winter.  Bear Lake has a completely different landscape in the fall and it's magical to see something new.




Dave brought up some fireworks, and all the boys were in heaven.














Our Thanksgiving Day began with lots of baby cuddles...


Who invited Donald?








It's so fun to just be able to "be" together.


David as the grinch of Thanksgiving, defiling the rolls. :)




Monopoly was a big hit this trip.  Kudos to Anthony and Sean for obliging a bunch of kids whose money counting skills are still a bit shaky.


Grandma Brenda had the baby magic and was a great help holding Harrison while we got dinner ready.  He napped so well in her arms that we started to worry about him!


Dad needed a coat to go outside for a few minutes.  He grabbed one off of the coat pile, not realizing that he had picked mine, and he got stuck!


There's no time for coats or gloves when fireworks are concerned.


No Thanksgiving is complete without smoke bombs.


We were graced with these swans swimming back and forth across the lake.  It just added to the magically serene feel of it all. I could look at this picture all day.


I've gotta say, walking on top of the reeds/mud in boots is much more enjoyable than walking through it barefoot in the summer.


We had multiple dishes cooking in the oven at all times, and Mom and Dad were wise to bring turkey breasts instead of the huge bird.


Almost ready!


The kid table...cheer up, Alton!


The adult table.  After this picture was taken, we all started to eat, and I literally took one bite before Harrison woke up from his three hour nap.  Oh, life with an infant!


After dinner, we enjoyed a wonderful slideshow Dad had prepared.  After laughing and reminiscing through all the slides, the screen went white, and the kids had a fun time doing shadow puppets.  It immediately took me back to slide shows in the basement in Sandy after family home evening.  What great memories!


When we'd had a few hours to digest, Sean and Janet jumped up to get the pies ready.


Do you think we had enough?




Board games rounded out the night.  This Thanksgiving was definitely one for the memory books!


Saturday morning began with our Broadhead Christmas "experience".  Mom shared things about her summer European travels, and made us try some of the strongest black licorice ever, then these salted licorice candies, which were like putting a salt cube in your mouth.  So gross, but apparently very popular in Norway/Denmark (sorry, I forgot).


Sorry, Janet, but I had to share the face everyone gave when we ate them.


Mom redeemed herself by passing out Mackintosh toffee.


After a Dietrich magic show, and Eyring Christmas carol/percussion video, a White clip-extravaganza, a Broadhead dance recital, and a Carlile slideshow, we made appropriate use of Marinda's basket on her scooter.


Baby in a basket!




Now, I know I'm obviously biased, but you can't tell me that kid isn't adorable.




Going for a thrill ride:


Games, crafts, walks on the beach, and other shenanigans ensued.












Mom brought up a bucket full of craft stuff, and my kids sat and made ornaments for hours.  Here she is, starting Harrison young.










After crafts, Alaina and Elle wanted to go down to the beach, where we met up with Mike and Kimball.


They had a great time crunching the thin sheets of ice, jumping in puddles, and "skating" on the more slippery parts.






Here comes little Marshall in his cowboy boots to meet us.




We returned to a festive scene at dusk:  Janet decorating a Christmas tree to holiday music.




Officially ready for the season to begin! (Say hello to the baby Clyde Gessel in Wes' arms - he definitely got his ears!)




We had a wonderful holiday!