November 2021 Part 2 Thanksgiving in Lindon then home

We went to Lindon for basically a full week of family time.  Sunday the 21st was James' birthday celebration. Chevon's mom, Sally, passed away a couple of weeks earlier, so they took some time to focus on Chevon's family.  Sally had pneumonia and just couldn't get better. 

Hannah and Colt enjoying birthday party dessert... I might have given Colt his own ice cream pot to eat from when he asked for seconds.  I swear it only had 1 scoop left. 

UNHS was putting on a Turkey trot 5k challenge to walk 3 miles between Thanksgiving and the following Sunday.  I signed the whole family up, because the kids think my other Turkey Trot t-shirts are funny and I thought they might like to have their own. 

To prepare the kids and I went for a full 3 mile walk around Lindon (with an hour long break at Pheasant Brook park).  Everyone did really well, I carried Lilian for a few minutes about 3/4 through but the twins walked the whole time. 

Art time!  Finley found a little piece of scrap in my shop, so he brought it to Nana's to paint.  Nana found other shapes for the girls and they spent an hour painting. 

11/22 Melissa and I went out for a date.  No idea why we turned green in front of this Thai restaurant, but the food was good. 

We then went to Just Add Chocolate in Highland.  We each made a selection of filled chocolate cups and a few other treats.  We have had kids for too long.  We were quick and efficient, I guess they plan on each group taking about an hour... we were done in 20 minutes.  So we regrouped and made a few other treats more slowly.  It was fun to use the different flavored fillings and share with family after.  We even ended up getting Nana and Grandad a gift certificate to this place for Christmas. 

Oh, we also made chocolate covered strawberries!  These didn't make it home to share.

Grandma Clift received her birthday present from us at the beach Thanksgiving celebration and was very pleased with her chocolates. 

Thanksgiving Day!  We ate lots of food, and lots of pies, and lots of other vegan food.  Then we chatted and played games.  Colt, Finn, Lilian, and Avery "playing" Blokus.  Avery convinced Miles and Savanna to play the real game with her later, they enjoyed it... and they got it for Christmas!  This trip was so inspiring for Christmas. 

Lounging

Melissa and Belle went out for treats and girl time on Friday. Melissa made this hat for Belle's birthday. It was a month early, but she appreciated it anyways.

Then we began the real Turkey Trot!  We started with a visit to the elk down the road from Nana's.

Then walked on the Lindon trail under State Street to Lindon Park and played for 45 minutes. 

Lili the trick rider. 

Finn the mountain climber.

Then Jon and Belle came over for games. 

Saturday morning Lilian aged 80 years and found herself sitting before the fireplace wrapped in a blanket enjoying a rocking chair.  The kids also helped decorate for Christmas after dad and I brought in the tree. 

We drove home Saturday and Sunday the 28th, after church, we decorated at home.  Almost Christmas!