It's Thanksgiving Time!

We got a "fump-start" (Garrett term for "jump-start") and helped Sparky start hanging Christmas lights a few days before Thanksgiving. He has always been morally opposed to decorating before Thanksgiving, but the weather was so nice that we talked him into it. As you can imagine, the kids loved it and were really great helpers!

Ella loved watching the happenings from the window. Don't you just love that sweet little face?

My mom figured she might as well put up her Christmas tree while we were at it. Again, the kids were really big helpers. Seriously, I don't even know how we ever could have done it without them.

Abby has a minor (or major) obsession with all things involving the Disney Princesses. It is both charming and nauseating, but we decided to use it to our advantage when she wanted to potty train. With the help of a Princess potty, Princess panties, and Princess stickers, she got it down in just a couple of days. She still has an occasional accident, but has done awesome overall. I was tired of having another little potty to clean, so we traded in her Princess potty for a new Princess dress and life is good.

The Aggies beat LA Tech to win the WAC Championship and it was a happy day in the Petersen household. I went with my parents and sisters to welcome the team home at the airport at midnight. We're crazy, I know. These pictures stink, but they're the best I have.

Nice picture of Gary Anderson, huh? Rumor has it he's staying in Logan for a few more years and Cache Valley couldn't be happier.

Like the rest of America, we were all sad to hear about the closing of Hostess. Greg introduced Garrett to Ding-Dongs at Deer Camp this year and his little life has never been the same. He found this one last Ding-Dong in the fridge and we realized it was a historic moment as we watched him eat one for the last time.

Thanksgiving Day was fantastic. It was our year to spend it with my family and we had a lovely dinner at our house. It was a pretty basic turkey dinner--super delicious, but nothing photoworthy, so sorry for the lack of food pictures.

Jan had foot surgery the week before and we were so happy she was able to come. Abby loved snuggling with her on the couch.

Brett and Chelsea were able to join us via iPhone.

Ric was pretty excited about eating the awesome pies Marijka made. They were fantastic!!!

Brian, the oldest kid I know, kept us all entertained with his antics on Jan's scooter.

We were so happy Kathy was able to join us for the day. She is such a treasure to our family and always makes the party complete with her beautiful smile and kind words.

Kami and Kyle were supposed to be in Arizona for Thanksgiving, but their trip fell through and they ended up spending the day with us. I told them I was sorry for them, but happy for us! Abby loved climbing all over  Kami and Marlee and playing with their phones.

The extraordinary pie-maker herself!

Once Garrett had the formality of Thanksgiving dinner over with, he pulled out his notebook and got started on his letter to Santa. He is more than a little excited for Christmas.

Back to Brian and the scooter...

...and more of that killer pie!!!

Greg saddled up a horse and took the kids for a ride.

Sher even hopped on the horse--a moment almost as historic as Garrett eating the last Ding-Dong.

Garrett and Abby's little buddy, Kaden, even came down for a ride.

Brian just couldn't leave the scooter alone and even recruited Garrett to join the fun. 

The kids were so worn out after such a big day. They sat down on the couch and poor Abby was out in no time.

Greg got tickets for the Jazz game from somebody he works with and we were able to go the day after Thanksgiving. Garrett and Abby were so excited to stay with Grandma Jan and Grandpa Willy and we were so happy to go out. It was great to have a night out together and even an added bonus that the Jazz were playing the Kings and we got to see Jimmer. He played well, but the Jazz won in the end--a perfect night! Greg was so embarrassed when I wanted to get a picture of us. This was the best he could do.  

We returned home in time for the grand lighting ceremony Sunday night.

TA-DA!!!