Novemeber 2021

November is when it really starts to look and feel like Autumn here in Turlock.  Many of our fall sports are winding down and we get a bit more time to celebrate for the holidays

It's time for fall crops to be planted if they haven't been already.

On November 20th we had our winter dance show.  Our studio performed the Nutcracker along with a winter showcase.  See my previous post for more about that.

Directly after the show we hit the road and decided to drive through the night to Colorado (via Utah where we picked up Eve's friend Emily Whitney at BYU).  We were planning to pull over and sleep if needed, but ended up being able to keep going all night.  We were staying at "The Barn" in Morrison.  It is just 45 minutes away from Aurora.  We are lucky that we could be with both the Smiths and the Murrays for this visit.

The Smiths trickled in over the next few days.  Some came on a very snowy evening when getting up the mountain was impossible due to icy conditions.  Thankfully, my parents were graciously willing and able to host them since they are so close to the airport!  

The kids had a blast with cousins! Here they are riding down the long drive that leads to the barn.

On Tuesday we came to Denver to see our Murray family.  We had a great time at Lava Island!  It was so fun to see everyone!!!

I adore Cat's cute boys and her cute pregnancy belly!

Clara and Eleanor were just as adorable as can be!  I love that Eleanor is at a good age to play with Christian and Jonathan.

We were happy to have Katie's kids join us as well.  They are as sweet as can be!

That afternoon I got to make apple pies with my mom and catch up.  It was nice to talk and work together.  Afterward we had a family dinner with all the Murrays that could make it.  I wish I had gotten some photos.

Back at the Barn the kids enjoyed playing games, eating and talking.

Thanksgiving day means football with those that are brave enough to play. :)

The rest of us were buzzing about making lots of delicious food or playing games and talking!

When it was finally all ready it was quite bounteous and delicious!  For how great the food was, I think the even more wonderful aspect was being with our loved ones!

We had an absurd amount of pie, another meal of sorts. Ha!  Good thing we ate dinner early.

It was very fun to welcome the newest Smith, Leilani (Noah and Kate's).  She is the first of the next generation in the Smiths.  With Grandpa and Grandma Sabey we had 5 generations.

On Friday we went on a beautiful hike with the Murrays/Robinsons.  It was good to get some fresh air and exercise after Thanksgiving!

There was enough snow for snowball shenanigans.

In the afternoon/evening we went back to Hannah's house and enjoyed a hot cocoa bar, pizza, games and a movie.  I love little kids in their pajamas!

Later that evening we sang karaoke until past bedtime!  It was a blast!  Everyone was very supportive of each other and everyone felt free to try a song or two.  We have some very beautiful singers in the family! 

I had to share one karaoke video.  I love to hear all my kids sing!  But I thought this would be especially good to share since Sterling has officially just started voice lessons.  I am excited to see where he takes his talent!

I loved the view from my bedroom window.  Every time I looked out I wanted to sing "Over the River and Through the Woods".

Saturday was the day we were to head home, but we decided to stay as long as possible to soak up as much family time as possible.  We played 9 square (similar to volleyball) which is so fun for most ages.  It moves quickly, so many get a chance to play as players switch out.

Eve and I took a little walk and got this picture of the barn.

When it was time to go everyone was sad to say goodbye!  Here is cute Marcie giving everyone fist bumps or kisses.

We left in the evening and felt that we were so blessed to be with our families!  It is a little piece of heaven on earth!