We gathered together for about four days of Thanksgiving fun. Not all
of us, but still a pretty good group. We all went out onto the front porch for
this picture right before we sat down to eat. Everything is fun with this bunch!
of us, but still a pretty good group. We all went out onto the front porch for
this picture right before we sat down to eat. Everything is fun with this bunch!
Some were so AMAZED with all the goings on, oh my!
Tons of food prepared and ate...we love to do the buffet style at our home.I have a 16 piece place setting of beautiful china but no one wanted to bother
with all of that, so we did it plain and simple, in fact, as they went home, I divided all
my china all up, and gave it to some of them who wanted it, I even got rid of my china
cabinet...this downsizing thing feels wonderful!
Plain and simple for our gang, we just enjoy being together.
I had 12 pies and every one of them were gone by the time they all left!
We were all stuffed for sure and so grateful for our family.
I want you to know that Megan's sweatshirt lies...she is an angel!
We had my MIL with us, she is 98 years old...everyone lovedhaving her for Thanksgiving. She still lives in her home on her own
and has such a clear and active mind. She is a blessing to our family.
Emry and Sophia snuggled up watching a movie.
Ella and Sophia playing with the Barbie house and toys.
I stepped outside on the porch and took this picture of the tree.
I hope my little Sage will stay out of it this year!
From inside the library where it sits in a big window. I am keepingthings plain and simple this year for Christmas, and it feels very good!
Sophia loved packing my extra purse around with her toys inside of it.
Ella loves to eat her olives just like me, one on every finger!
Great grandma Donna...she is such a good sport to join us in everythingwe do. She is a a sweet 98 year old angel who loves to hold the new babies,
here with new baby Claire...I think Claire will treasure this picture don't you?
All the kids love to get into the hot tub that sits on our back deck andour dog Cougar loves it too...he keeps them busy throwing his toy!
Love Sophia's little chubby cheeks!
We all went to shoot skeet, it was a bit cold at times, but Sophia issmart about tucking her hands into her pockets to keep them warm.
We shot up a few boxes of skeet...lots of fun on a beautiful day.
That's me in the red coat and yes I am an ok shot!
Our daughter Lindsey in the blue coat and her dad.
The littles playing games in the car...
Sophia cuddling with her aunt Laura, love her little pink pom pom boots!
Emry loving on Cougar...he has a way of bringing out the love in everyone!
Yes you do...my lovey-big baby boy!
We went for a hike and ran into a herd of deer...
I told you we were all angels, look at heaven smiling down on all of us!
The grands loved posing for pictures in every nook along the way.
They loved that they could fit into the holes, such a fun hike for them.
This is what we hiked up to see...Hickman Bridge. It is in Capitol Reef
national park, about 15 minutes from where we live.
I heard almost every grand child say over and over, what an awesome
Thanksgiving this was...the best days they have ever had! I guess if
I judge it by that, it was a success for sure. It was a ton of work and I
was so beat with throbbing feet and aching back but so glad we did it!
Today, I am putting all the Fall and Thanksgiving decorations away,
getting Christmas up...that is why we do it...for our family, so worth it!
Hope you are having awesome holiday times...the best ever!
~WITH MUCH LOVE~
national park, about 15 minutes from where we live.
I heard almost every grand child say over and over, what an awesome
Thanksgiving this was...the best days they have ever had! I guess if
I judge it by that, it was a success for sure. It was a ton of work and I
was so beat with throbbing feet and aching back but so glad we did it!
Today, I am putting all the Fall and Thanksgiving decorations away,
getting Christmas up...that is why we do it...for our family, so worth it!
Hope you are having awesome holiday times...the best ever!
~WITH MUCH LOVE~
64 comments:
What fun you must have had. The picture of you MIL holding the new baby is so precious. Love those babies. The second picture is so funny. Wonder what she was thinking. Enjoy the holidays but better rest up first.
Awww...loved sharing every moment with you in the post holiday reflections... what a gang. And you my dear bloggy sister are an amazing and gifted and SURPRISING blogger...Skeet shooting...What a WOMAN...I don't even like to hold a gun. Looks like fun out there...
Hugs to you and thanks for sharing it all and have fun getting ready for Christmas family days.... xoxo
Glad you had a wonderful family filled THanksgiving. Holiday time is wonderful when we share it with those we love.
Blessings
Marilyn
Julie, I can really see that your grands were not fibbing with you. What an awesome looking family celebration! It looks like you all had such fun. Skeet shooting on Thanksgiving, how cool is that? I just love seeing your great big beautiful family and adventures. Thank you so much for sharing with us!
Looks like a completely wonderful holiday weekend. Great photos. xo
Julie I have missed your posts so much, have you sold the farm, I have given away so much of my china and things to move where we are , once I started down sizing it felt so good I got hooked, its a great feeling to be free from all the extras, one really learns where priorities lie.Your family looks so happy and healthy, just the way it should be, beautiful post,
What a wonderful time to be had! We do things plain and simple at my family's, too. I'm sure all your grandkids will appreciate all the pictures you've taken, but I'd say little Claire will especially. I wish I had a picture of myself as a child with my greats (and even one of my grands). Holiday blessings to you and yours!
Looks like Thanksgiving was a success! Love all the pictures! :)
What beautiful pictures, as always, Julie! I'm glad you had such a nice Thanksgiving in your beautiful house by the Circle Cliffs. I know you hope to sell it soon and I'm sure you'll have wonderful gatherings in your new home too ...but you will cherish these pictures (and memories) of this last Thanksgiving at this house.
Have a blessed and Merry Christmas ...let's celebrate our Lord Jesus Christ from now until Christmas!
: )
What a beautiful family you have !
I couldn't help but smile at all the pictures especially of the little ones, so merrily going about their business...
Thank you for sharing your special family memories with us 1
~Jo
It looks like you had a wonderful time surrounded by your amazing and beautiful family. I loved seeing these great pictures of your Thanksgiving meal. I can't believe you baked 12 pies-you are incredible!
Blessings and best wishes,
Natasha.
Simple is the best... full of love and gratitude and good times!! blessings ~ tanna
ps love the photo of greatgrandmother Donna and baby Claire! Generations of love.
Looks like you had a wonderful time together!!
It's great that your family could gather together to enjoy each others company, and make new memories.
Down-sizing does feel good doesn't it?!
It's going to be great not to have to worry about stuff, and dusting and cleaning are going to get a lot easier too.
More time to enjoy life :)
It's all about family and faith for sure, Julie. I'm so glad you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with all of yours that could join you. It's fun to see all of the pictures of them.
What a beautiful family. My favorite pic is the first one of the baby with the hair sticking up all over. But it was fun seeing you shoot too. You are very blessed.
Sandy
Julie, your pictures and reading your post has warmed my heart this morning! You have such a beautiful family and I'm so glad you all had fun with one another making those new memories that will last a lifetime!
PS: What a handsome boy Cougar is!!
Hi Julie! Thank you for sharing your day with us! I enjoyed your pictures and seeing your precious family spend time together! Take care my friend!
What a wonderful Thanksgiving,and family celebration. Precious memories. xo
Families, large or small, are precious and make every holiday special. Looks like you had a great time with your beautiful family making sweet memories. Loved your photos!
Love all the pics, Julie! And your MIL-blessings to her :) And you, sweet friend!
xi, misha
Sounds and looks like the perfect Thanksgiving! And paper plates are just my style! Especially if you nibble all day like we do. Glad you enjoyed the time with your family!
Oh Julie, your MIL is 98? WOW that is remarkable. And little Claire, she steels my heart too.
Great gathering will all your loved ones. That's one BIG family Julie. What will you do in a smaller home?? Where will you put everyone?
LOVE cougar boy too. WHere are all the rest? Kitty doesn't look too happy ; )
I also LOVE the red rocks the kids were hiding in. What fun.
On to Christmas decorations now. I bet you have so so many.
Love You
Love Me
xoxoxoxo
Now that is what Thanksgiving is all about...FAMLILY! And what a joy to be able to share it with so many generations, having your 98 year old MIL to share it with is just the icing on the cake.
We were going to do some skeet shooting but it was raining like the dickens so we stayed indoors playing games.
It looks like the perfect Thanksgiving to me! Four days of family FUN for sure!!! (I can't believe 12 pies were eaten.) Cute pictures Julie, of your cute family! (My little Libby loves my purse too! It is the first thing she heads for when she gets to Grammie's house! So girlie.) xoxox
Plain and simple is the way to go, Julie! You enjoy it more that way and even though you did not use your china, your grands still said that they had an awesome time! It's all about the love and family being together that makes each holiday special! :0)
I loved all the pictures!!! Your grandchildren are beautiful! And that national park looks amazing!!! Glad you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! AND you gave away pieces of your china. That's a great gift for your family to receive! Love the picture of Great Grandma and the littlest one!! Precious!
I love your family!!! Such a fun and loving time :)
Hugs from me.
Isabelle
This is my first time, visiting your blog. What a wonderful family you have! The Joy and Warmth just shines right out of the photos.
Ohhhhh that Surprised Baby pic! Precious!
We have a Sophia among our Grands, too. And she has the only really red hair, in the family. :-)
How wonderful that your MIL is still so in charge of herself... Living in her own home and being of clear mind. Such a blessing!!!!!!
And on top of all this, you live where you can shoot. How great is that?!? Pretty great, to this *Damn Yankee* who wants to do target practice but has no one to show her. -sigh- Oh well, some things, we just aren't meant to doooooooooooooooo, perhaps. :-)))))
But!
I am *only* 74!
There's time yet!!! :-)
Gentle hugs,
"Auntie"
"Something about an old-fashioned Christmas is hard to forget."
~~Hugh Downs
It does sound like an awesome thanksgiving.
Downsizing and going plain and simple sounds perfect to me too
Looks like you had a more than wonderful Thanksgiving weekend! Bravo for you and all the cooking you did! I am sure your Dinner and weekend were the best!
We had similar goings on here with the whole family and everyone stayed for a few days.
I really think I like Thanksgiving better than Christmas. It's more focused on family and food than presents and stress!
xxoo,
RMW
Hi Julie,
Your Thanksgiving looked PERFECT! You are so blessed to have a large family to celebrate with! Also, how wonderful to have your Mother in Law there who is 98 years young. Very special that each child will have some of your china to keep and use as a reminder of Thanksgivings past. Letting go and simplifying is very freeing....it is something I am moving towards myself. I grew up going practice shooting with my Dad, and so I really enjoyed your skeet shooting photos. The deer were beautiful....just loved everything about your special day with your family. You are truly blessed! I can't wait to see all your holiday decor coming up. Loved the tree! Much love, Kim xoxo
Such a wonderful holiday time for you and your family, Julie--so glad you shared it with us! What a group you have--and that's not even everyone--lucky you!
Wishing you a wonderful night, dear friend...
Julie
Hello Julie,
Well, you had a nice Thanksgiving as i can see!nice to be together.My son, unfortunately won't be here for Christmas, he left on Monday for Dubaï where he is going to work and live.Blessings Catherine
That is sure a beautiful bunch of family.
I think a hike would have been nice after a big meal.
You are so blessed dear.
Hugs
Your MIL and great grandmother are beautiful women! You must have had such a great time having them there.
I love all the pictures. Those babies are growing so fast. So darling, each and everyone!
I love the olives for each finger. A child after my own heart.
Such a memorable Thanksgiving for each member of your beautiful family.
Thanks for keeping it real with the aching back and feet comment. I so understand and YES, family makes all the work worth it. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas blogfriend.
Love seeing snaps for your beautiful family! Love that sweet little surprised face! :) So many sweet memories!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
wow...that is quite the crew. You are lucky you have such a big house to accomodate them all. Good to keep things simple however eh....weren't you a little sad to depart with your China?
I NEVER had china.
I remember when I was first married (first marriage BTW) my inlaws gave us a set of Melmac dishes (not sure if that is how you spell it) Do you remember those. UCK.
anyway, I digress.
12 pies....I would have had no trouble working my way through those all by myself. I love pie.
That photo of the baby at the top is hysterical. What a great shot.
Should be entered into some kind of photo contest.
now, go and relax. Maybe go get a massage.
oh an HOW GREAT that you MIL, being 98, and still able to live on her own with a keen mind.
That would be MY GOAL.
If I ever make 98
Awe..very sweet photos of your family having a fun, and blessed Thanksgiving time together. And that's right, we put up with the aches and pains because our family is worth all of that extra work we go through for them! God will bless you for a job well done, momma (& daddy)!! Don't grow weary in doing good, for in due season you will reap a harvest of good rewards. Like you are seeing here. God bless you!
xoxo...Gloria
p.s. I think I just bought Sophie the same monkey blanket sleeper that Sophia is wearing. So cute! :)
Wow! That's one heck of a family gathering! What a wonderful thing. Lovely blog you have here.
What a wonderful Thanksgiving! I love it when we give ourselves permission to simplify. I am trying this year but Grandkids might not let me not put out the village!
What a fun day filled with so many fun activities. What a lovely lady your MIL is and that picture will be such a treasure for that little baby when it grows up. Isn't a large family a true blessing?
You have such a beautiful family, Julie! You are truly blessed! How funny, I remember eating olives that same way when I was little!
Blessings,
Janet
Being together is the best! What a wonderful family!
Hello dear Julie,
I'm so glad you could have such a wonderful time. It makes me wish all of our children were close enough for a get together. We have never had one.
I love the bridge, what a great God we serve, see what He created just for you? Beautiful, beautiful scenery.
Hugs, Cindy
You have a good thing going there. I can't believe your MIL is 98 and she looks good too. wow oh wow. I would love to shoot some skeet on a fam holiday.
Oh what a wonderful portrait of a loving family. And I love the grandmother of them at her age with a good snappy mind! Bless her soul.
I am happy to see that you are doing okay with the downsizing and gifting of things to your kids. I have started to do some of the same...it is a bittersweet freeing of the spirit, isn't it?
I hope you have a wonderful week! xo Diana
Hi Julie!
It looks like you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!! I just loved the pictures of you sweet little grands - the eyes, the olives and especially grandma and baby...just precious! There's not one thing on this earth better than family!!
Hugs,
Barb
Sounds like you had a wonderful time! Everyone looks so happy! :)
What a beautiful family ~ beautiful land and such grand smiles!
The first baby photo had me joining in the smiles too! And then, to see all your activities ~ wow!
God bless you all!
~Maria
Goodmorning Julie!Thanks for stopping by my friend. Its always nice to hear from you.
I was thinking about you yesterday I heard about the awful winds in California and they even said some parts of Utah.I dont know if your in those areas,but be safe.
Blessings and hugs!
By the way Julie I just wanted to say the picture of your chickens to the right here is sooo adorable lol.I never saw the little ones sitting underneath their momma,its so cute.
Hi Julie, found your page through Becky's Chitty Chat Cat. What a beautiful family you have, and I absolutely LOVE Cougar's name. :) It put an instant smile on my face.
Thanks for sharing.
Love and blessings.
Those are some awesome pics and memories! That baby up top LOL hand her over! or was it a him...
I love your Cougar and your Sage...hand them over too!
I havn't commented for ages,but I must say this post was a joy to see/read.From the youngest member to the oldest.....lovely Granny Donna,how amazing is she!?....the happiness and love you share shines through in every picture of your wonderful family.
The pic of baby with the olives was just so cute!! :0)
As always Julie, a beautiful post, and a beautiful family.Sue
Hi Julie! Thanks for popping in!
Have a glorious weekend.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
Just beautiful. Your family, that baby, your MIL, the scenery. It is all worth it. Seems the good times often are a lot of work but those are the things I hear my kids talking about as their cherished memories. So I guess we are working hard to gift them those wonderful memories. Makes it easier to think of that way when we have so much to do to host the holidays. I wouldn't want mine anywhere else though than here with me and the hubby.
What an awesome time this was.
OMGOSH...they should make a movie of this. :))
xoxo bj
Wow Julie, now that is one fun Thanksgiving! How blessed you are! Your clan sure knows how to have fun! Xo
It looks like you had a wonderful Thanksgiving Julie! I enjoyed looking at all of your photos. We always have our big meals buffet style. (I don't even own any china.) It's always so wonderful to spend time with loved ones. :)
sweetness and joyfulness - I can hear your heart singing and all wrapped up in thnakfulness of 4 days blessings.. blessed you..
Hugs
How fun! I love seeing pictures of large families all together.
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