Thanksgiving Day

We had a lovely Thanksgiving Day. It started up in Salt Lake at the Hoggle Zoo. We went for the "Feast with the Beasts" opportunity, which meant we could watch some of the animals get fed.

I think they forgot about the cougars on the schedule :(

Niko loved seeing the lemurs huddled together all "cozy cozy"

Niko decided he wanted to ride in the stroller and
Sam decided he wanted to push. Thanks for helping, Papa!

We loved watching these guys playing

Warthogs, in case you can't tell :)

The rhinos were fed right in front of the window.
It was cool to see them up so close!

Niko just HAD to see the elephants

Sammy's turn on Papa's shoulders

The kids survived the long day in the car with a little Mulan...

Sammy had a short turn with his own headphones.

We then went to Grandma & Grandpa Clawson's house
to bake our dinner and enjoy it together.

Niko serenaded us with Aunt George's ukulele
while we waited.

Our Thanksgiving Feast

Niko even ate some!

Thank you, Grandma and Grandpa
for a lovely dinner together!

We finished off the day by stopping at Gigi's house,
where the missionaries were just giving a spiritual
thought at the end of dinner. It was good to see
more friends and family, but you can see by this picture
the boys were very ready to sleep by the end of the day.

A few things I'm thankful for...

My family, for the joy I experience spending each day at home with my sweet boys and the consistent love I feel from my caring companion.

My testimony, for the peace I know as I pray each day and read the scriptures and for the little whisper that tells me I'm in church for a reason, even when I have to spend time in the halls.

My parents and siblings, for the lessons they have taught me over the past three decades and for the friendships we share as adults.

My growing belly and never feeling completely alone, even when I'm by myself. Little flutters and big kicks inside me tell me someone's always there. It is nice, though, how quiet he is, and that he lets me sleep through the night for a couple more months.

Comfort and safety. Although I don't spend as much time with Reach the Children anymore, I still think about men, women, and children who live without so many comforts that I enjoy daily. I feel safe inside my house (decorated with Christmas lights), I have plenty to eat, and warmth, and a soft bed, and a room for each family member. How spoiled I am!

Health. I am a very healthy person despite my addictions to chocolate and sugar. I am grateful for my own health, especially during pregnancy, and the health of friends and family. I grieve for those whose health is failing and try to remember them in my prayers.

Ward choir. I've wanted to participate in our ward's choir for a while, but it hasn't seemed possible with Chris's responsibilities at church. Now, mostly thanks to Brandon for watching the boys and Ashton for suggesting the arrangement, I've been able to go for the past few weeks as we've begun preparing for our Christmas program. We only have one rehearsal left, but it has been a joy to sing again in a choir. I'm also grateful for the director, who should cringe at our sound, but instead finds ways to compliment us and encourage us and make us better. I love singing, especially Christmas music. What a joy it has been.

Cub Scouts. I have loved working with the cubs this year. I have finally learned how to do the program and help the boys progress, not just have fun. I revel in the example of some of our boys and am learning from the tough situations of other boys. I love each of them. Working with them has helped me see ways that I can be a better parent.

Little things: sweet smelling hand soap, hot chocolate in the morning, a clean kitchen and living room, smiles from friends at church, laughing toddlers, sleeping toddlers, date nights at home, aha's from the scriptures, baking skills that improve, snuggle time with sleepy boys, sneaking Christmas music before Thanksgiving, scrapbooking in Photoshop, a reliable internet connection with a functioning computer, and riding horses (when I'm not pregnant, of course).

I could go on and on, but I'd better get back to putting order to the house. Hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving!