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| Thanksgiving 2011 |
The last few years we have traveled for Thanksgiving. The boys get the whole week off from school, so what better time to visit our families and spend some quality time with loved ones. This year's Thanksgiving break found us on our first flight as a family of 5 destined for Phoenix. We are proud to report that "zone defense parenting" worked well on the plane, and the boys were rock stars! We loved being able to kick back and relax and share some fond memories with Uncle Eric, Aunt Charity & their pup Chewy (who just might win the award for most kid-friendly dog ever!) A big thank you to our Phoenix family for all the gracious hospitality, delish food, non-stop laughs & lasting memories of Thanksgiving 2011!
"Mom, I can't wait to go on my first plane ride!"
This young man was a champ on the flight!
All aboard! We enjoyed an afternoon at one
of our old faves ... the train park in Scottsdale!
Anxiously waiting in line for the train...
All smiles for the train!
When given their choice of seat on the train,
the older boys picked the enclosed car at the end.
This seemed to be the favorite among the younger
crowd as it was packed full with kiddos.
Up next ... carousel ride!
On Sundays, they run the
tiny "Little Steamer" trains, too.
Smile and wave!
Grant with his buddies the Keeler Triplets.
Bet he's wishing there's space for a fourth
so he can hitch a ride, too!
"Dad, can I take a dip in the pool?"
We loved the warm weather & being outside!
Oh, what a treat to have dinner at the home of our
friends the Wellings! The kids helped make
gingerbread men for dessert. Yum!
Music has a strong presence in the Welling household,
and after dinner, we listened to a concert with the children
playing their instruments including piano, french horn, flute,
tuba & marimba (which they constructed themselves
and can be seen in the background here.) The musical
talents of this family are truly incredible!
Legos are fun for all ages!
The oldest Welling (Christian)
with the youngest Leahy (Grant).
Through the years, we have taken
group photos with our families.
It's always fun to look back and see how
much the kids have grown!
We love our adventures with the Wellings!
Funny story. Our rental car for this trip ... a Crown Vic.
Usually, this type of automobile best serves police officers
or people over the age of 70. But in our case,
it worked out quite well for accommodating
1 car seat + 2 booster seats ... and these
crazy characters in the back seat!
As part of an early Christmas gift, Eric & Charity treated us to a day at the Phoenix Children's Museum. We loved playing the day away there!
Noodle Forest
"Wait ... this guy looks familiar?!"
The Children's Museum had an
awesome indoor tree house full
of eclectic features ... like this
winged bathtub. Can you
spot the Leahy boys?
Time for a car wash ...
all vehicles welcome!
Eric & Charity with the twins
she watches. Cute!!
Who needs a luxury car when you can
drive a green pickle mobile!
Turkeys with turkey cookies!
Our family on Thanksgiving.
We are blessed beyond measure
with our three sweet boys.
Bring on the Thanksgiving dinner ...
My bib is on, and I'm ready for the feast!
Expert Crescent Roll Maker
Mmmmm ... Turkey Leg!
(Note: Grant didn't actually eat this, but we thought
it would be a funny photo opp. He's more of a
white meat guy anyway ... and he did gobble that up
with some mashed potatoes, stuffing,
green beans & a crescent roll.)
Do I have Thanksgiving dinner on my face?
We moved from Thanksgiving right into Christmas.
We helped decorate Eric & Charity's tree and then
opened gifts. What a lovely day celebrating 2 holidays!
