Wedding WEEK... it was wonderful.

SO so much activity, travel, love and meaningful time spent with family; it's a shame to limit a post that culminates a whole wedding week to a few pictures. It was ALL so lovely and laden with moments that we won't soon forget. We couldn't feel more blessed to have a daughter in law--we're immensely in awe of the amazing person that she is; so beautiful inside and out.  Maybe you've already seen the post on the Utah wedding. Yonder and Teeny honeymooned in New England; New Hampshire in the White Mountains, on the coast of Maine and in Boston.  They joined us for Thanksgiving, and then made an appearance at home for their East Coast wedding reception/open house the next day.  There were MANY who helped make the evening happen... I'm grateful for so much help, so many loved ones who came out to show support, and so so much love.  

turkey and yoga for everyone

One of the great parts of having a Thanksgiving dinner for oh, 40 or so, is there are plenty of hands to clean up the mess. It was done quickly and efficiently. So quickly, in fact, that we found ourselves without furniture before many of us were done hanging out with each other. We played a board game on the floor, and then Aunt Becky came up with the yoga pose challenge game.  It is with great pleasure that I present to you the fruits of our labors: 

(you're welcome)

 Once we were good and limber, we capped off the evening with a few games of  Holiday Heads-Up.

being thankful

Just in case my blog posts were leading you to believe a wedding was all we were thankful for this year, we DID manage to gather, and share a Thanksgiving feast. 

Although there were many extended family members who were able to come, there were at least as many who could not be there. We were thoughtful of those not with us, and grateful for those who could be. We were not few in numbers, so we met at my parents' church.

 There were some greeting rituals unfamiliar to me.

 It was good to be together, and it was good to hear laughter.

 There was much hugging.

And, in a family who does not drink, there was a Druncle who liked to stir things up, I suppose to keep the young adults guessing.

 Thanksgiving duck-duck-goose

 and of course the FOOD:

 There were a few games after dinner; my personal favorite was Moriah's "boom-boom-pop."

 It was fun to be together.

 I am thankful for gatherings.

 And for family.

 And fun.