We arrived at Matthew's home in Arizona in early afternoon on Thanksgiving Day, the drive (although with some traffic) was generally uneventful. We talked to my Mom and Dad, Barbara and Peter, but Chad was out of cell phone range in Mexicali.
Matthew had done a great job of preparing and cooking the turkey. He sliced up the whole bird for us in no time.
Kim, holding her special dish of yams topped with marshmallows. She'd done a great job on all the side dishes--a wonderful assortment of delicious dishes.
The table set up, showing the little turkey favors at each place setting that Kim had made. They held a peppermint patty in each one.
The gang, all seated around. I had to do it in two shots because the table was so long. In addition to Matt and Kim and girls, they had two of their friends: Enrique and Melissa (and their baby Gabriel Antonio), Melissa's mother Stephanie and Melissa's little sister, Brandy.
Rounding out the fun was Scott and Julie, Joseph and Geoffrey (formerly Hyrum--he's decided to be called Geoffrey).
After we enjoyed the Thanksgiving Feast, did the dishes and chatted for a while, it was time to whip the cream for the pies.
Scott at the kitchen table, giving us a grin.
Emilee taking a break from jumping on the new in-ground trampoline in the backyard. Matthew had built quite a set-up: trampoline, installed grass, extended the patio and built a wooden swing set, with climbing tower.
The next day we visited the local shopping mall, ate at In and Out, then some of the women saw a movie, others of us just relaxed and visited.
That night we headed down to the Mesa Temple to see all the lights.
Caught ya'!
Matthew and family under the golden arches.
And in front of the Visitors Center Christmas Tree.
While at Target, I found a Christmas headband for both of the girls. Emilee models hers.
Here we are at the temple with Megan and Emilee.
Dave and I had fun taking shots of the temple using the reflecting pond as a foil.
The nativity scene. A brilliant star was suspended above this scene, lighting up the area.
Matthew and Kimberly and family, along with Grandpa Dave and Enrique and Melissa and their baby.
Next we all headed to the local dining spot for their creamy custardy ice cream. Megan had taken off her shoes, so they all headed in while I watched her get hers on. A roaring sound filled the parking lot as it seems this dining place is also a favorite of the local cruisers.
The next morning, Dave started his Saturday with a walk around the block with two biking girls and the dog, Sammy.
Later, after several costume changes, we watched dancer Megan leap onto the bean bag chair in the family room.
That night they decorated their tree, hanging sparkly ornaments everywhere.
I watched and was joined by Emilee and Matthew at the end.
Windmills on the way home, as we crept along in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
Local color. It seems every RV in Southern California was on this road. When we came to the top of a rise, two rows of cars on the left, two rows of silvery boxes in the right-hand lanes. We did make it home, full of good food and memories. Thanks for the wonderful weekend!
Riley was about done with family pictures until his father promised him an icicle if he'd sit still. The pictures after David snapped the icy treats from the balcony overhang are very fun--very wintry. Except for the bare feet part.
Maddy resting on her new quilt from Grandma Elizabeth.
The day after I arrived home, I thought I should scare together some kind of treat for my Sunday School class. I foraged in the cupboard--where was that?--and found the bag of Hershey's Kisses, for Christmas Kiss Cookies.
Chad and Kristen and AlexAndrew (as we call them around here) arrived Christmas Eve, along with lots of presents to make the display festive around our tree.
Chad had received a pasta book in an office gift exchange and was stoked to realize I had a pasta machine-cranker-thing in the garage. He spent all afternoon working on his noodles. . .
. . . with a little help from Alex. While they were drying, we went to the park.
A good day for a romp. Back home, Chad whipped up some amazing fettuccine Alfredo. Homemade pasta just can't be beat. Thanks, Chad!
Since the Anselmo Family was all snugged in, Dave and I headed over to see the luminarias on the neighboring streets. We had fun walking around, taking photographs, enjoying the festive feeling Christmas Eve.
Christmas Morning! (with Alex under the blue blanket).
As is our tradition, one of the littlest ones puts the last ornament on the advent calendar tree. It's been Peter doing this for years, but now we bequeathed the privilege to Alex.
Kristen and Chad set up the beautiful table. We used napkins from France, and all our Christmas china. It looked really beautiful.
Here we all are, at the table. Not only did David and his family join us, but also the Marriotts and their five children.
Lorenna, Shawn's girlfriend, helps at the kid table. Her son Daniel is at the head, near her. We could hear bits of their conversation in the dining room. One theme was Darth Mater (a combo of the villain's name and the character from "Cars") and the fact that he and Jesus were NOT friends at all.
