With my parents serving a mission in Florida us kids were on our own for this year's celebration. We settled on a half way point in Logan to accommodate all travelers. Works for us. I brought rolls, pies, pumpkin rolls, and whip topping. If I can say one thing about my family gatherings, you can always count on yummy food. I have some amazing family members that know their way around the kitchen. Teresa made this stuffing that changed my life, delish! Some family member arrived earlier than others and had a game of flag football, we had a hard time getting out of the house so we missed that part but go BYU!
Not to brag, but don't these look good. I made a triple batch of these yummy deliciousness of heaven and two pumpkin rolls. I haven't made pumpkin rolls before but apparently they were good because they disappeared before a photo was taken.
Teresa is married to my oldest brother, Brad. They live in Logan and have 6 children, 4 girls 2 boys. Teresa is such a hard worker. You will always find her in the kitchen helping out.
This is Kim, my oldest sister, Pam's fourth child. She plays volleyball for the cougars. Isn't she gorgeous and she is nice too!
Here are my three amazing daughters. Sierra gets a little annoyed at my camera happy person but one day she will look back and appreciate all my photos. I love you spunky hormonal daughters of mine.
Introducing Dean Weeks. He is 8 weeks old and his mother is Alyse, who is Brad's fourth daughter. He is a cutie and so good natured.
Stacey, Pam's fifth child, brought her early Christmas present. She kind of blends in but can you see her? Bria and Ada were side by side Stacey the entire evening. Can you tell that Stacey and Sierra are cousins? Beautiful girls in our family.
Introducing Rue, a toy poodle. She is so so adorable but I won't be getting one girls so don't even ask.
The gym was set up in a circle so we could all face each other. It is funny how the dynamics work and who always ends up next to each other. The gifts in the center came from Florida from Grandpa and Grandma Ellis. My girls accidentally grabbed the wrong family gift and began opening it, sorry Nichole hope it is salvageable. Hollie, my youngest sister in black on the end, then Torie, Hollie's oldest, Kim, Stacey, Pam and Kevin, her husband is walking with the goods.
Bryant, Brad's fifth child, Malia, Sammie, Hollie's fourth child, Magera and Teesh LaReesh.
Brad in the background, Willie, Tories' fiance, they are getting married in May, congratulations! Taylor is standing, Hollie's second child, Gage,Hollie's youngest, Bryce, Brad's youngest, Brooklyn, Pam's youngest and Bryant, Brad's fifth child. Funny that most of the youngest migrate together, interesting.
Heather, Pam's second child, pregnant with her first baby boy, Trey, Kody, Heather's hubby, Jake, married to Alyse, Brad's fourth child and Tyler Sam in the black outfit photo bombing!
True Love!
LaraLee and her love muffin, Kyle. I asked for a picture and this is what I got. Did you see the tongue. That is Kyle, we love him anyway!
Can't forget my table. Hunk of a husband, Corby Earnest, Bria and Ada enjoying cousin Mitch, Pam's third child. Mitch just returned from his mission. He is one sharp great young man. LaraLee slaving away in the background. Go Lee Lara!
This is a repeat photo but now we have Clark present. Clark is married to Hollie, my youngest sibling.
When my older nieces and nephews aren't able to attend, it makes for some interesting situations for my youngest. None of their "cousins" were there this go around so this is how my children entertained themselves. Kind of comical actually.
Ada led the music
while Bria played the piano
Ada gave a talk thanks to the kind soul who left their hard work behind.
During the talk, it is always appropriate to dribble a basketball across the room.
My oldest brother is always so creative, he came up with a game called "Speed Getting to Know your Nieces and Nephews" There was a chair in between each person, except married couples and the cool uncles and aunts would sit by the niece or nephew and ask questions for 30 seconds. It was fun to get to know everyone. Next time, I suggest that we do it twice so the nieces and nephews have time to ask us questions.
Great idea Brad.
Stacey and Brad getting buddy buddy while Mitch is smiling as usual.
When it was dessert time, LaraLee brought out these beauties. She placed them on the table and announced, "Does anyone want a rock brownie, they are good if you put frosting on them?" Several family members tried them only to quickly throw it away. Kim was a great sport and tried so hard to eat her piece. It was hilarious watching this interaction go down.
Tyler Sam, LaraLee's third child. He usually keeps his hair short but has decided to grow it out. I did not know he had some curl.
Looking sharp Sam.
We were promptly kicked out of the gym at 3:59 so a few of us headed to Brad's house. We taught the few family members who weren't able to attend the family reunion our whip topping game. Jake was a pro man. He did not miss his whip cream once!
Kody and Heather were good sports and did great too.
Hey, guys didn't you get the memo, it is funnier when you miss.
Just sayin!
Brooklyn looking good. She just appears wearing this get up. Cracked me up!
When at Brad's house, he has a jail for your phones, I pods, pretty much anything that might distract you from being present. I locked up my families phones. Sierra had a come a part. It's OK sweetie you'll only be separated long enough for a photo. Deep breaths!
It even has bunk beds, genius
It wouldn't be a family gathering if cards weren't brought out at some point. We taught Brad and some of his children Mormon Bridge.
Malia, Sammie, and Teesh primary colors are red ,yellow and blue.
We have so much to be Thankful for this time of year. I am especially thankful for family. My family only gets together twice a year and at that, not everyone is able to make it like Chad, Lynette, and their 6 children. Gratitude needs to be practiced daily not just once a year!
Happy Thanksgiving to all our loved ones.
