Our Thanksgiving

We had a great Thanksgiving this year. I ran the 5 mile turkey trot in downtown Cleveland Thanksgiving morning. It was fun, but cold! It was windy and rainy through most of it, but I made it. Little G wasn't too thrilled about the whole thing. Him and Adam were waiting at the finish for me, but we couldn't find each other for about 30 minutes. This picture pretty much describes how happy Gavin was too be there. I don't blame him....it was freezing!

We had a delicious Thanksgiving feast at the church with a big group of friends. I am so grateful for the friends we have made here and am grateful to have shared Thanksgiving with them.

And now, what do you know....Christmas is right around the corner! We set up our little 3 foot tree this year since we will only be here a couple of weeks before we head out West. Gavin of course loved the tree and I'm still trying to teach him that we "just look" and not pull off every ornament. He's getting it....sort of ;) Who can resist those shiny, sparkly balls?

I feel so blessed in my life, and am truly grateful for my little family. I feel some of the greatest moments in my life are the ones where I am at home spending time with my two favorite people.

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Road Trip

It has been a fun couple of weeks! Gavin and I flew to Medford for a few days and hung out with my family. We then ventured on Gavin's first big road trip. We drove all the way to Rexburg (in two days.....thank goodness), where we visited my brother Phil. We went to dinner, walked around campus, and ate at the new eatery, which was so nice! I was also able to visit with a couple friends from BYU-Idaho that I haven't seen for a while.

Next stop was Utah. We stayed with my Grandma. Gavin was able to meet all his cousins from Adam's side for the first time, as well as his Aunt Liz, my best friend. It was so great to see everyone since we don't get to that often living so far away.

 We then packed up and headed back to Medford for a couple more days and now we are home, and the sun is shining! We had a great time. Thanks mom, dad and Grant for having us. We always love coming to visit and miss you already. Here are some pictures from the trip.

My brother Grant and I.

Gavin reading with his Grandpa Merrill.

My family at The Cocoa Bean in Rexburg.

My best friend Liz and I.

Gavin with his friend Monte.

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Gavin with his cousins Olivia and Cameron.

Gavin with all his cousins.

Gavin with his Grandma Gerber and Great Grandma Passey.

Me and my brothers.

The whole fam (minus Adam).

Gavin with his Great Grandma Merrill.

Gavin and Grandpa Merrill.

Gavin and his Uncle Grant.

Christmas in Oregon

We had a great Christmas in Oregon with my family this year. It is always so good to be with family for the holidays. This was the first Christmas with everyone together now that my brother Phil is back from his mission. It is amazing the difference that one person can make in the dynamics of a family. It is great to have him back.

Now, I am sitting at home on my couch (a little sad, and missing the sound of the piano in the background, laughter, playing games and spending days doing nothing with my family) reflecting on the past two weeks of fun, and feel so blessed for the life I have. It is always so great to see my family, but there is always a time to come home. Here are some pictures to sum up our two weeks in Oregon.

Day one: trimming the tree with Philly

Just relaxing with Grandma while she works on the Computer.

So excited for new Christmas jammies and for Santa to come!

Grandpa showing Gavin how to play with his rings. My brother Grant and his sweet hair.

Watching Grant at his hockey game.All bundled up and tired from a long day.Almost home! Our last flight of the day, and ready to be done.

So Thankful

For my healthy little baby

And my amazing husband

Since Thanksgiving is on Thursday (Can you believe it is already here!) I have been thinking a lot about all the things I have to be thankful for: My little family. I feel so blessed to have such a loving husband who works so hard in school, and still finds time to spend with me and little G-man. He sure loves his little guy, and it is so sweet watching him put him to bed at night, and how gentle he is with him.
I am so grateful for a healthy baby who brings so much joy to my life. I can't imagine life without him.
I am thankful for a warm bed to sleep in at night, a place to call home, good friends, food in my fridge, my family.
What are you thankful for?
And just for fun....

Family Photos

My friend Stephanie took some family pictures for us a week or so ago. I think they turned out pretty good! She did a great job...I'm lucky to have such talented friends! Thanks Steph!

Gavin's Blessing

We had Gavin's baby blessing today. We were so glad Adam's parents could make it up for the day, and for the great friends we have made who were able to help with the blessing. I am so grateful for such a wonderful husband and for the priesthood in our home.

I love this picture