Thankful

After our feast of Thanksgiving we went on a hike in the Superstition wilderness.
The air was mild, the sunlight, golden.  And it sure felt good to get up and move after such a busy morning cooking and a full-belly feast.

While we walked in the desert splendor, and as I watched those sunlit heads bobbing ahead of me I was momentarily choked with gratitude to my Heavenly Father for my life.  For those boys, and their strong, handsome dad leading us.  For the sun, the air, the path under my feet, and my healthy body.  For everything.

And then Brandt wanted his picture taken, I swallowed the lump in my throat, and life continued.  

But I cherish moments of communion like that like little gems.

One thing my boys like to do is throw rocks, and at home I have to say, "Put that rock down.  No throwing rocks!"  I love going hiking with the boys because they can throw rocks to their heart's content.  And play with sticks.  And climb.

And climb some more.  

And just 

be boys.

They need that.  

On the way back home Brandt fell asleep in the warmth of his car seat and had to be awakened for pie.  Boy, were we all ready for that pie.  And though I was worried because I baked my mom's Apple Slices Pie for the first time, there was no need to be.  Mmmm.

It was a beautiful day.  And I hope your's was too.

Thanksgiving 2010

I got to spend Thanksgiving with these wonderful people.  Good food, games, movies, a lovely hike.  I loved every minute of it. 

Thanksgiving 2009

I am grateful for so many things. And I believe gratitude is essential to maintain a positive state of mind. To be happy. I sat down with my family and we created this tree to help us recognize and be thankful for our blessings. It's still on the fridge, and though it's getting a little crumpled I think I'll leave it there awhile longer.


I was so excited because my parents and my brother John came to visit for the holiday. They come from a colder climate, and so when John heard we had a pool in the new house, he came prepared. This is the first thing he wanted to do...

Never mind that the water is FREEZING! My boys all wanted to join in the fun. After an initial splash in the pool, they played mostly along the outside of the pool. Brrrrrrrrr.

The water was cold but the weather was gorgeous. We spent a lot of time outdoors.



We visited Fountain Hills, where Mitch, John, and Caleb played Frisbee golf.



I love this picture of Dallin and Adam. They looked for five seconds at the fountain, and decided the playground is where the fun is.


It was a happy Thanksgiving.