Thanksgiving at the Beach

Ava has been chomping at the bit, waiting oh so
impatiently for Thanksgiving to be here.

She knew we were heading to the beach to be with
our family. She loves spending time with our family.
We all do, they are pretty amazing.

It's funny how Ava's loyalty shifts, first it seems like the adults
are her favorite, then Abby arrives and all of her attention goes to Abby.
Then an even shorter person arrives, like Colton and it all switches to him.

Ava LOVES playing with Colton. I'm not saying they get along
famously every minute, but she forgives their issues, putting the
bigger picture first. One minute she will come tattling on Colton
saying "He is being really mean!" We offer for her to play with us
instead and she says "No, he is a little bit nice too,
I'm going to play with him"

Two turtles:

There was a lot of Hide & Seek happening

Tiffani & John peeling potatoes

Relaxing

Ava takes over the photography for a few pictures,
here is Chris & D'Auna

Jessica, Me & a WHOLE LOT OF NORAH

Cute!

Ava loves her Auntie D'Auna & Uncle Chris
Don't they look like they would make great parents?

I'm not here to give up other peoples news,
that may or may not be a tiny baby sock in their hands.
Ok, I give,
I AM SO EXCITED!!! THEY ARE HAVING A BABY!!

This means that next year at this time we will have three new
babies in the mix! (Our good friend Rhi is pregnant too)
I can't wait to see if they are having a girl or a boy, it would
be so cool to see my little niece wearing Ava & Norah's clothes,
that would just warm my heart. But if they have a boy that will
be super fun too, just can't wait to find out!!

Either way I am just so excited to have a little playmate for
baby Norah. Chris & D'Auna will make the most wonderful
parents. I am thrilled they get to experience the overwhelming
joy of that first little baby! There is nothing like it in the world.

One big difference from last years Thanksgiving is
the shift in gaming. Last year it was all about Ticket to Ride.
We usually had 2 or 3 games going at all times.
Not saying we didn't play MANY rounds of that game but this
year if you looked around the room, everyone had out their
phones and they were playing Angry Birds.

The kids enjoyed watching.

Ava informed me that when she is older she will have a fancy
phone too and she will play Angry Birds whenever she wants.

The phones passed around the room as everyone got sucked in to
the game. It is the perfect mix of fun & frustration.

There was usually at least one table set up like this:

And another playing Pinochle

John loves his new phone so much I caught him
falling asleep with it, snuggling a few times.

Here is a picture of Ava sleeping, in traditional fashion of
tossing out her jammies as well as the deck of cards she
insisted on playing with to lure her into sleep.

We had a great holiday, packed with wonderful family,
excellent food & lots of games.

We are so thankful for all the blessings in our life &
this girl tops the list:

Happy Thanksgiving!!
Hope yours was equally wonderful!