hogwarts

 We came home on Friday so that the boys would be home for the Ohio vs State Michigan game.  Ohio State won, fyi. Anyway while the boys watched the girls went to Universal.  Our passes are almost expired and we wanted to got to Hogwarts one more time.

We had some most delicious crepes for brunch when we got there then headed in to the park.

It was a lot of fun.  We love the castle the best and got some great photos since Hannah was willing, with some encouragement, to hop the barriers and pose in the best spots!

 It started to rain, cold and wet, by early afternoon so we headed home, first stopping for some delicious Shanghai authentic food that was spicy enough to make my eyes water the whole time but sooo yummy.

family

random pictures

We took the most random pictures this Thanksgiving, but we had a really nice day.  I picked up the girls from Dani in the morning.  We cooked and packed to leave Grandma's and hung out.  It was really nice being at their house all week.  

When Sierra got to Grandma's we went to the temple to enjoy it's beauty, to take a little walk, and to take some pictures. 

Tori and Emma came over to join us for Thanksgiving, love to see them.  Michael and JaNee and the babies came too and the Brandts came for their holiday take 2.

 Dani made a piecaken, it was so delicious! We had turkey and rolls and pies and sides and yumminess!!

 Scarlett liked the cool whip.

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a little football was watched.

These two boys are cute cousins!  River and Ethan.

Amen

and the fun continues

What did we do yesterday? My brain can't remember.  That's why I blog every day :)  It's too hard to keep track otherwise. Okay, got it.  In the morning we hung out with grandma and Papa.  We talked and ate breakfast and tried to make these cute turkey place setting things. Then after lunch we went to Val's and sat around chatting.  Grace made cookies over there and Hannah and Kenz went shopping.  We visited and it was very nice.  We left there and met Sierra at Grandma's and had a very yummy dinner then headed to the movies to see "Arrival", which I really liked.  Sierra's friend also came.  Lastly we came home and watched the dancing with the stars finale. I was happy with the winner!

 Today we got up and headed to Dani's.  She and Hannah did a lot of pre thanksgiving cooking while I played games with Penny.  Grace and Tate played together.

We went to the movies to see Moana, another thumbs up movie.

 Then we went bowling and had dinner at Dani's.

The girls spent the night there tonight and the rest of us came home to Grandma's.  It's snowing outside and there are pies to bake.  

Jordyn and Han are good friends

Another good day done.  I love being close to the family!

cutest couple :) 

french fry eating

Penny did a little dance every time it was her turn!

Ethan was surprisingly not that great.
Rob was really good though:

The End

Monday

Yesterday we went to Dani's.  Rob went fishing.  He caught a couple little fish that he released and he also spotted a beaver that played near him for a long time.  He had a great fishing trip.

 Can you see the beaver in the water?  So cute! Rob said he played by him for a long time.

While he was out Dani, Hannah, Ethan and Grace went to see Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.  The girls liked it and the boy did not.  While they were gone Penny, Marshall and I got to stay home and play.  Which was awesome!

Watching the Polar Express, between game playing, book reading and paper cutting.

When the big kids got back from the movies we went to Zupas! Seriously my favorite.  I need to go again....right now :)

Then we went to the bookstore and to visit Val.

Leaving Val's house, in the dark, and caring Penny on my back because it was raining and she didn't have shoes on, I fell down the last step and luckily didn't hurt her but I hurt my ankle and sliced my finger.  So sad.  Now I am gimpy.  Which is embarrassing.

We hobbled home, stopping by a yummy burger joint and ended the evening watching Dancing With The Stars with Grandma and then scriptures and prayer.  It was a really good day.  Despite the injury.

sunday

 Good day.  Long day.  We got up and went to church.  Grandma's ward is very nice and the talks were excellent.

After sacrament Rob and I left to take Grace to urgent care.  We thought she might have strep.  She did not.  But with all the little kids around we couldn't take any chances.

When we got home Emily and Jose and their kids came over to visit and we had a super nice visit with them.

Then they left and the Brandt's and Sierra came and we hung out for the evening playing games, eating, talking.  Fun fun fun.

 When they left they took Grace with them and then the four adults went to visit Val in the hospital.  She's doing well but it's just a hard recovery and a lot of pain.

 We got home at 11 pm and now it's bedtime.  We also face timed Jenna this evening.  It was the best kind of day, one with lots of grandkids and kids and sisters and parents.