St. George

My family LOVES Thanksgiving. We all look forward to this holiday and special time of the year. I look forward to it even more living in Southern California. We don't get a lot of change in weather, so it's nice to actually breath in the crisp air of fall. Every year since 1984 (my first Thanksgiving) my family has been traveling to St. George, Utah for Thanksgiving. That year my Grandmother bought and restored an original adobe house that was built in 1865. The William F. Butler House was one of the only remaining original adobe homes from the Mormon settlement in St. George, Utah. I have so many fond memories with my family in this home, especially with my Grandmother. I'm thankful to her for the hard work she puts into this home and our family's traditions.

1984

1992


Thanksgiving 2009

My Grandmother is the best Great Grandmother and LOVES to play games with her grandchildren. Playing "Higher Higher" a family favorite!




So I guess if you searched back to last Thanksgiving you would find pretty much the same run down on Thanksgiving. But that's what makes it so special, we've been doing the same thing for 25 years.

Dan and I always start out the morning with our own turkey trot, it helps with the guilt after dinner. Around eleven my Grandma (92 years old) takes all the boys golfing, she likes being the only girl. Everyone helps put on dinner and when the turkey is done we eat. Following dinner is a football game on the front lawn and then dessert. Grandma then will have us come into the living room and we'll all play some games. And that's usually how it goes.




Everyone!




As fun as this day is, it's the rest of the weekend I look forward to most: Staying in the hot tub talking with siblings till early hours in the morning, Poker (yes even when I loose $$$), going out for cokes (lets face it there's not much to do in this town), going to the temple and sitting next to my sisters, mother and grandmother. I love getting to see all my nieces and nephews play as cousins like we did when we were all growing up. I love how we can fit multiple adults on Grandma's bed for a foot ball game or afternoon nap. I love so much about this weekend, but what it really boils down to I LOVE my family. They're all what make this weekend what it is. It's not the house, the turkey or grandma. It's the love that everyone gives and for this I am thankful.




I walked in on Hannah conducting Uncle Mark to Primary songs



This year we did do something out of the norm. We drove up to Zion's National Park for a day hike and lunch. The weather was a little cooler than we had hoped, but the back drop is never dissapointing!

At $25.00 a viehcle, we all piled into two cars. I think we got our money's worth!




Two Lovers





The last couple years living in California, it's not only nice to be with Family over the holiday but the quality time with Dan is what I look forward to most. He gets so busy with school this time of year, I soak in the whole weekend and say goodbye for another 2 weeks when we get back. Good luck with finals babe, I love and miss you!