While Brett took all of the other kids on a walk around the beach, the Pips and I stayed put in the shade where we had a little one on one time.
And that type of time is hard to get in a house full of kids and cousins.
Pip’s First Time at the Beach
Pippi’s Blessing
In order to have Seth and Bryan in town for Pippi’s blessing, we had to do it at home on Thanksgiving.
So after two back to back huge meals, I put Pippi in my blessing dress that is 37 years old.
She is the third girl to wear it because Navy wore it also.
During our photo shoot, we got one of the girls.
And then Scout hopped in.
And then there were four.
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We all gathered in the only clean place in the house — Nonnie’s room.
And the blessing was beautiful.
I remember a lot about her being a peacemaker.
Pippi and I are sure thankful to these guys on this Thanksgiving day.
Thanksgiving ‘13
Guess what little pilgrim is the hungriest?
I guess a 5K will do that to you.
But this little Indian was sweet.
As was the little pilgrim.
And the big pilgrim got it together after a few looks from me.
But just when Scout was getting happy, look who else discovered she was hungry.
GOOD THING IT IS THANKSGIVING!
Where there is never a shortage of food!
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And there wasn’t.
We ate and were thankful.
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And then I got the camera out and started snapping.
First it was a picture of the Greats.
That is Great Grandparents & Great Grandkids.
And then we added in the normal Grandkids.
And then it was the Grandparents and Grandkids.
Then a dirty-faced cousin shot.
And finally a jumping-off-the-stairs photo shoot with two weasels.
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Then we were off for round two at my house.
Where we got to sample the half & half bird.
My half was bacon-wrapped, butter under the skin and massaged for 15 minutes.
My moms half was her tried and true.
The verdict — no difference.
What a waste of my massaging hands!
Turkey Trot ‘13
There is something about races that I love.
I love the action, I love cheering people on, and I love the get-ups my kids always wear.
Since we don’t have a turkey costume, Dash opted for a flower instead.
And that little flower and the stinky elephant were part of Scout’s cheering section.
The big boys in our family set out to run the whole 5K.
Micah has been off running for a bit with a torn hammy, and Scout isn’t a “runner” just yet, so this was going to be a fete for both of them.
At times the little boy jumped in for about 50 yards or so.
And at this point, it looks like the flower is in the lead.
But you know what they say….”slow and steady wins the race!”
And here is Mr. Slow and Steady!
The elephant was in a rare mood this morning (7 days of nonstop and really late nights), but she finally gave running a whirl.
And at the end of the race, Dash caught Micah and wanted to be held.
And this is where Scout left them in his dust.
The great news — minus the flower, all of these boys ran the whole race (not pictures:Micah).
The greater news — these future BYU roommates will have lots of stories to tell the ladies of when they were little tough guys.
The greatest news — Nonnie was at home, cooking up a delicious feast for these nine.
Santa Pics ‘13
I think one of may favorite things of Thanksgiving break with the cousins is our Santa Pictures.
Now, for the second year in a row, we go and take our pictures.
Then we eat.
Then the hooligans close down the mall at the playground.
And then on our way out, the kids all run to the fountain and try to gather as much money as they can before they get in major trouble by the moms.
Hilarious
Micah’s version of Martha last night.
Karma….please come quickly!
Fashion Island Tree
The cousins and our family headed to Fashion Island to eat, roam and check out the huge tree.
We had a blast, and didn’t get home until some crazy hour — for the fifth night in a row.
And to everyone’s dismay a few times during the night, I did a cousin photo shoot.
Here’s the gang before leaving.
And while we were there.
Here are the weasels.
And the best picture Skilly got while taking it of our family.
While we were there, this is the boy everyone fought over.
These were the two who got along famously.
And this is the girl who stayed the warmest while in her magic bear costume and in Daddy’s pocket.
Pip’s First Christmas
After our Christmas pictures with Santa, we were walking away.
But this Santa asked if he could take a closer look at the Pips.
So I handed her over, and Santa just looked and looked and looked.
I think he saw that something was even better than Christmas.
Pip’s First Shower
You’ve got to love the little Pips in the shower with Daddy for the first time.
I know she did, because she was happy as a clam while in the warm water, and screamed like a banshee when she came out.
Just like every other kid I’ve got…this girl is going to be a water hog!
Big Boy Tie
This little monster can clean up quite nicely.
And when he got to wear his first tie like “Douty” and Daddy, he was pretty proud.
Then I asked him if he wanted to wear big boy pants like Douty and Daddy, and he matter-of-factly told me, “No….Wear bipers.”
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