It was such a JOY to welcome so many family members to come visit for Thanksgiving time as we prepared for Katelyn's Baptism the Saturday after Thanksgiving. :) Both of Jonathan's parents (Grandpa and Grandma) along with Uncle Samuel and my parents were able to come as well!!! We lucked out that Uncle Cory & Aunt Susan's family came too since they were planning on an anniversary trip around here near the same time anyways. THIS meant we had all sorts of aunts and uncles and cousins to play and share memories with here in Texas!! My Dad and Finau, along with Aunt Lola, Uncle Gary Duke, Uncle Sammie and Aunt Anna made the massive trek of a drive here from the Bay Area, California and we were thrilled to have them visit for the first time!!! That meant so much to us! It truly helped us feel a glimpse of heaven to have so many loved ones here with us to love and support Katelyn on her special day as she chose to be baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. What a special time and so sweet to have those who could make it and feel of their love for this momentous occasion. :)
We also had cousins Kimball, Josiah and my sister, (Aunt Sarah) and my Mom here as well!! What a load full of love and fun we sure had as we welcomed everyone except for my Mom and Sarah for Thanksgiving time! Since we knew it might be easier to host everyone for Thanksgiving Dinner at Tammy's house, we thankfully gathered together at her house on Thanksgiving. We also got together with the bigger kids and Daddy's/Grandpa's at the church gym for some intense basketball games, and assembled plates full of goodies and Homemade Thankful Turkey cards for the local police and fire-stations, we delivered with the kids that day too! Even though I didn't get any pictures of the food or our large group (so disappointed I didn't come away with a SINGLE group shot on Thanksgiving =( ) At least I captured a few of the memories we shared while family was here for Thanksgiving and the few days thereafter before December. Here are some highlights of our Thanksgiving and family activities together:
Even though Joshy was NOT a big fan of the clippers, and a few tears were shed, thankfully Daddy came to the rescue and held him in his arms so we could finish it up! Look at that dashingly handsome boy!!! WORTH it!!
Horsey rides at the grocery store!
Basketball at the church gym!
Grandma played so hard, she accidentally took a fall and may have badly bruised her hip. :( We were sad for the injury, but thankful she played and participated while she could in the fun! Way to be out there Grandma and trying to recreate those old bball glory days! :) My Dad even got injured too during a turkey bowl game on Thanksgiving day....he went to the Urgent Care, and somehow injured his shoulder. Way to play hard, Dad, and have us all be reminded that even though you're young at heart, you're still human and sometimes just need to go slow. :) We love you and these sporting memories together!
Speaking of injuries, somehow while Katelyn was jumping on the trampoline with my younger sisters and brothers,(her Aunts and Uncles), she got one double-bounce too high and ended up spraining her ankle!! Poor girl!! We were so sad for her pain, but thankfully she toughed it out like such a strong trooper with those crutches and still finding a way to get around so she didn't have to miss out on the service and activities. :) Love that thoughtful Katelyn, ready to be strong, ready to serve, ready to overcome anything...and how fitting for it to have been on her baptism weekend because TRULY, with her and the LORD by her side, through Him, she can overcome and make it through anything!!
So thankful for everyone who could make it!!
A trip to the Dallas Temple!! What a beautiful place and so perfect to be there with so many loved ones! We wish we all could have gone together before my Dad/Finau and family had to head back....but the Spirit was sweet and the smiles were toO!
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