
I know some of you will think "Amy, it is WAY too late for a Thanksgiving post!" But let's call it technical difficulties since that is usually a forgivable excuse. Plus, I still have a Christmas post to do so hang on for one more "catch-up" post.
This was probably one of the best Thanksgiving's I've ever had. We had 14 house guests (making a total of 18 of us!) in the form of my family (minus Christopher) come and stay this year. It was such a fun week and we really took advantage of our time together. I'm so blessed to have such an amazing family and we can't wait to see Christopher again NEXT month when he comes home...the family will finally be complete again.

We had all 8 grandkids together so we had to snap millions of pictures! This was the best we got which should impress those of you with large groups of kids or any kids at all. It should also impress those of you who merely know any kids. These little things are in age order: Tyler, Logan, Nathan, Elly, Landon, Owen, Bryce and Annabelle.

It is Andrew's family tradition to have Thanksgiving at the park every year and they are so welcoming to let any and everyone join in! It was perfect weather and we loved running around in our summer wear! The kids loved the enormous play area and the parents loved the extra relatives who chased after them! Above are Andrew's Dad, Dan, cousin Jessica (daughter Emma), sister Sarah, bro-in-law Greg and Mom, Helen.

It was 80 degrees or more for most of the trip and so we heated up the pool and went swimming of course! It was like a bathtub. I love this picture above...Tyler plugging his nose. He was the only kid brave enough to jump in without parental assistance....notice the other ones clinging to the adults! Also notice Janae's face...she was getting a kick out of the whole thing.

My mom treated all the girls to manicure/pedicures which was so fun! We are not a "fancy" family, but we really loved being pampered like this. Angela and I went for the pedicures and Angela died laughing the whole time they were rubbing her feet. It was hilarious. You probably can't tell in the picture above, but Erin and Janae were really adventurous with their nails! They turned out super cute. My toes glowed in the dark. It was repeatedly said that if we had a black-out, my toes would lead us to safety.

Grandpa was in his glory reading stories to the little ones who hung on his every word. This was the most popular, Wheels on the Bus, book.
Dance parties are another must when our family gets together. Notice all the great dance moves. Please also notice Elly in the background checking her reflection out while she practices moves from her dance classes. :)
One of the coolest things we did though, was ride the bus! Andrew's Aunt Raelene drives a school bus and was so super kind to bring it over and give the kids a private tour and ride! The kids were beside themselves and really loved sitting in the drivers seat and taking a ride around the block. Aunt Raelene showed them all the ins and outs of the bus and even showed them how to check the oil!
We plan to make this Thanksgiving reunion a bi-annual tradition so I hope everyone keeps coming back! It was pretty squishy with 18 of us last time, but if you can get 18 people in a house together what's a few more? As we grow, I hope everyone continues to come back because there's nothing like spending the holidays with your family.