Late November

We had a dreamy mid-November adventure: VEM Reunion at a Delta Center game with BYU basketball verses Wisconsin.  It was a big pain to get to the Delta Center midday with our work and kids' schedules but like everything we ever go to, completely worth it when we arrived.  We were over the moon to cheer for our Cougars--even from the nosebleeds--with our basketball and best friends from college.

Then...

...and now:

We went to La Casa del Tamar for one of our favorite Mexican dining experiences of all time.  Roni's dish was bigger than her.

We loved carrying on the tradition we got from Coleman's parents: chocolates on the pillows.

The next morning, we were up early enough to watch Jane Hedengren race.  She is BYU's generational talent, smashing records in nearly every race.  Afterward, we smashed exactly no records but had plenty of fun jogging with the mountain drop.

Next up, a gorgeous November hike to Lower Mill Canyon.  It was remarkably dry with crisp temperatures and clear views.  We reminisced about our college days while catching up on our current.

We introduced them to two Utah specialties: dirty sodas and Lehi Bakery.  Aaron and Julie were both disgusted by the soda while the rest of us guzzled.

That afternoon, we mocked Aaron relentlessly about his old man wallet full of cards he never uses.

He tried hard to explain the importance of carrying all of them...you know, like an old man.

We all got to watch Zac leave for Sadies date #2 to American Fork High School.  They dressed in F1 style.

We caught the sunset while introducing Roni and Coleman to pickleball.

We ordered Little India for dinner that night and watched another BYU team win.

Our last hours with them were on Sunday, and we enjoyed making music, relaxing, and one more dinner together.

Having all these people I love around my table is bliss.

After they left, we found discarded contents of Aaron's wallet:

...and one of his discarded gift cards.

Next up, our first trip to Ohio in many years!  We planned to visit with my parents and Natalie's family for Thanksgiving, but my parents were called on their mission just before Thanksgiving (giving us ample time to hang out in Utah while they went to the MTC).  We were disappointed to be staying in their place without them, but happy to have time with Natalie's family.

A HUGE highlight for me: visiting with Jillian in person.  First time in 15 years!!!  Jillian once wrote that we can be apart and not miss a beat about a year after graduation.  25 years after graduation, I feel just as grateful and close to her as ever.  She is radiant--a beautiful soul, mama, wife, and friend.  I could talk to her endlessly.

We chose the basketball hoop and car as our backdrop to the only picture we have...grr....haha!

It was so funny to recognize items I had growing up.  I slept on the top bunk--often with Janece.

The same pictures were hanging in our Fairborn house.

The kids were shocked to see a phone from the "olden days."

Zac did a great job organizing games of catch, football, and soccer.  Natalie said the boys played outside more those few days than in the prior months.

Thanksgiving morning, I went on a 6 mile jog on a path I had no idea existed the previous visits.  I saw exactly one person and I was in heaven.

Time to eat!  I made the rolls, stuffing, raspberry pretzel "salad," and green salad.  Steve and Natalie made turkeys, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and I'm sure much more!  It was gracious of them to host such a crowd, and they even invited the sister missionaries.

We watched BYU basketball play in the ESPN Chocolate Invitational, then enjoyed pies.  I took this pretty pie pic for Cory, who shared the recipe.

Thanksgiving Ticket-to-Ride:

Post pie comas:

The next morning, Kate convinced Brady to take her shopping, and Owen got his "long awaited" (4 days) buzz to twin with classmates.

The Great Clips women could not believe he wanted to chop off his locks, but he has no regrets twinning with the "baldies" at school.

We went to the Blacklick Woods Canopy Walk for a family outing with cousins.  It was chilly and Kate was on crutches, but we still managed to play tag, walk along the boardwalk, and find charming decor.

I love funny signs.

Snuggling/making out with Gemma:

More soccer, and more BYU basketball!

The next day, we went to Inniswood Gardens for a chilly stroll, followed by basketball and football in the church gym.  Kevin had arrived with Allison and Brandon after a 7 hour drive from Virginia.  They had been with Kristen's family for Thanksgiving and still made the side trip happen to see us.  

I told my kids before our visit that Ohio is humid, green, and beautiful, and for 8-9 months out of the year, it is also gray.  They said I nailed it with my description.

More football, and a BYU football game!

We also visited the Columbus Zoo lights.  It was so lovely hearing the Christmas music and watching the cousins intereract.

Baby elephants!  The cutest!  (Their poops are anything but baby.)

Petting the sting rays was the highlight.

We got up at 4am the next day for our flight, and arrived home for a gorgeous day of winter weather in our new home.

We decorated for Christmas, and I cried as I handed Zachary his infant ornament to put on the tree, realizing it was his last Christmas living at home.

Time to kick off Christmas!