We made it up to our favorite Christmas Tree farm, Trinity. It was a beautiful, freezing, winter day to find a beautiful holiday tree. After a dusty but fun train ride we headed over to check out the vintage fire engine. Little did we know a hidden "kids trees" section was there too! Perfect! The girls picked out a sweet "Charlie Brown" tree that was just their size (ok just our house's size too). Jay and Sarah followed suit with an incredible 3 footer as well. We enjoyed hot chocolate by the out door fire, gift shop perusing and then we were off. Off to Costco for a $42 tall beauty for the lake that is! hee hee

The ladies in Sarah's family threw a fabulous shower for her and baby. Lots of good food, wonderful company and of course lots and lots of presents! A nice opportunity to pause, and celebrate the life that has been created. Jay and Sarah are going to be such incredible parents and we can't wait to welcome this little baby!

That evening it was time for Sylvia's school take over of Castle Ice. It was the girls first time ice skating and Daddy couldn't come due to a Republic show. Thus, leaving mommy on ice skates with two little girls! A very memorable event ;)

At about 2am when the final pounce game had ended and it was time for bed, we noticed that there was no Jack. Where was he sleeping? After we all scoured the house and the RV looking in every bedroom, bathroom, nook and crany, he was found, sleeping in a ball on the floor in the hall closet! Phew.

After driving home, from Spokane, we had a ladies+Daddy birthday party for him. The girls made him a really nice sign. With Sylvia's first cat and pig that she made up and drew all on her own! (I'm so amazed at her drawing skills). JaK's to-go was the perfect celebration dinner after a long drive. Then it was time for presents! HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!/DAVE. We're so so so blessed every day that you are in our lives.

OK, Spokane, but that didn't rhyme. The big boys got to go see Danny's friends garage, which happens to be full of one of a kind beautiful cars. The ladies stayed back at the house and played games, watched movies and rested. We were all back together for dinner, Jay's incredible homemade chili, and a little b-day cake for Dave. Thanks to McKayla and Savannah for the delicious cake!

This is the best part of going to Spokane for Thanksgiving. Having the free time to relax and enjoy family without the hustle and bustle of demanding schedules. The girls LOVE playing with their cousins and aunts and uncles.

So much to be thankful for; our beautiful girls, amazing family, warm houses, health, another little baby about to be born, and good food! Lot's and lots of good food. Thanksgiving in Spokane is an event we look forward to and remember all year! We appreciate every moment of it.

This year dinner went surprisingly smooth and on time! We're getting good at this! Quite the spread of delicious dishes. Three turkeys (one with an herb brine, which was incredible and will now be a staple), apple-pancetta dressing, roasted asparagus, green beans with red peppers, spicy squash gratin, creamy mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry and potato rolls. A little wine and voila, one incredible meal!

The girls kindly requested that Daddy, "the king," dance with the "princesses." How could he resist?!

Then came an equally delicious dessert course. Followed by our long time family tradition- ginger bread houses! Very creative this year. Not all of them stood at the end but they still looked great and and were very entertaining. Of course Savannah and I were last, as always. The girls jumped right in and were very focused on the sweet task. I built a Hawaiian bungalow to warm us up ;)

Grandpa Kenny and Grandma Cyndi stopped by to say hi and lend a hand. I resembled the Tin Man after my silver spray painting adventure.

Pete and Don came by to help prep for cabinet painting. Dad and Dave of course were working as well.