Thanksgiving, and a sweet 16!

We took a fun trip to Emily's in Salt Lake, and then Patty's new place in Logan for Thanksgiving Break.

We spent a day down town exploring the D'avinci Museum downtown Salt Lake.  It was fun because it was a mix of science and art, and an artist we have studied with Art Heritage at the kids elementary school.  The kids loved it.  We spend 3 hours and easily could have been there twice that.  This place was a hit for the boys.

Everyone loved the flight simulator. 

Spencer talked about playing on this for weeks after.  I love this picture of him helping Anna with it.

Jacob and Flash spent forever at this exhibit.  I see some future engineers working together here.

My brother Steve and his family had a condo up at Snowbird during this week, and invited us up for a fun night to celebrate my birthday.  We enjoyed time with the Marchant cousins (and a few Aumens who came along).  We played in the snow up there, and later had some food and fun company while a blizzard raged outside.  Maren and Lily braved the outdoor pool during the blizzard.

The younger kids stayed closer to warmth to brave the hot tub on the deck.

The drive down the canyon was a little scary.  But we made it down safe to find lots of snow at Emily's place.  This is where we were really cursing ourselves for not bringing snow gear! 

 The kids had a full out snow fort snowball fight and we made due with what extra's Emily had at her place to keep everyone warm.  It was a lot of fun.  

 Thanksgiving the next day was full of amazing food and people.  Patty and Megan drive down from Logan, and Luke joined us.  We spent the evening after dinner at a gym inside of Luke's work, and had a blast playing basketball, pickleball, pool, and foosball, as well as eating pie and generally just having fun with all of us together.

 We drove up to Logan the next day and I am ashamed to admit this is the only picture I have.  We enjoyed a breakfast with the Texas Gordon's, and a fun day filled with Harry Potter games, Nertz, a trip to the park, and a few trips to Al's for the big "kids".  

Amanda turned 16 the Monday after we got home.  What a horrible way to spend a birthday, going back to school after a long break!!!  We made up for it though and had a fun party with her friends the next weekend.  We played a Murder Mystery Clue scavenger hunt, ate all her favorite foods, and indulged on a really rich chocolate ice cream cake.  It was really a fun night and she deserved it.

I kicked the kids out for the night, and Dave took them out to breakfast for dinner.  Not a bad trade off.