Thanksgiving Week in AZ

Friday

We left around 6:45 and had a good flight. Ryken enjoyed watching out the window when we took off. He likes speed like his daddy! He was good. Moving constantly, but good. There were two ladies in front of us that were playing "peek-boo" (as Ryken calls it) with him. So that was nice! 

We got off the plane and were greeted by Mom, Dad and Kristin. Kristin was a surprise. They were supposed to come down the next morning, but because snow was coming they did't want to get caught.  So it was a nice surprise! 

Saturday

First breakfast together! :) 

They loved being with each other immediately. Ryken affectionally calls Ember "Emer". 

Ryken got really good at giving kisses to his cousin. 

 Since the Evans were going to Mexico for actual Thanksgiving, we celebrated Thanksgiving with our family today. 

Some of the hardworking crew!

 Dad cutting the turkey with the mashed potatoes water stemming next to him. Love that effect! :)

 The line up of food! Yummy food!

 Putting the finishing touches on the table.

 Enjoying the delicious meal all together! 

(only Kristin and I knew the picture was being taken, hence our little smirks!)

 The Flin side of the Family!

Thankful Grandma and Grandpa Flin could join us as well. Grandma had surgery that following Tuesday!

 Ryken also loved the puppy Maci. He calls her "May".

 Cousin bath time!

 Ducks on their head!!

Sunday

After a nice time of worship at Grace Covenant and catching up with many friends, we came home and took our family pictures!

 Sisters and their babies!

 Grandma and Grandpa with their grandbabies!

 Ryken fell in love with cutie oranges before we left and saw these on the tree in the backyard and wanted one. They weren't quiet ripe yet, but he bit at the skin anyways! Followed by a sour face!

 We got take out from Texas Roadhouse!

So many boxes! So delicious!

Monday

Started off the day with some good friends!

Went over to the Frazey's for a visit.

The kids enjoying a snack together!

 So wonderful to have some time together!

Allison was due with #4 at the end of the week. He didn't come in time for us to meet him (and still hasn't made his appearance), but it was fun meeting the two other littles that I haven't yet. 

And Brent was quite animated to get all 4 kids to look at the camera.

 Playing with daddy!

 Kristin was kind enough to walk around Downtown Mesa to take a bunch of family pictures! :)

Just one of the many good ones!

 Since we were downtown, we walked by Regency Garden, where we had our wedding reception! 

Of course we had to get a picture in front of it! :)

 At 7:00pm, I was surprised by these ladies!

They threw me a surprise baby shower!!

I felt loved and our family was blessed by them!

Separate post on this later!

Tuesday

Jenn kindly opened her house again to the 3 of us coming back over in the morning for the kids to play!

The 3 oldest boys!

 Our attempt to getting a picture of just the kids!

2 of the 5 were not thrilled! So this was the best we got!

 More success with the mommies in the picture too!

 Later in the afternoon, Jed and Alma came over to spend time with the kids!

They brought some cars for Ryken to enjoy. He did to the fullest.

Grandma Flin wanted the kids to make some stepping stones. So Jed mixed the cement and was putting it in the molds so carefully!

 Ember was first. She didn't care for it!

 Ryken was 2nd, and didn't as well! 

 But Grandma was thrill with the results!!!! :)

Wednesday

The Evans left for Mexico Wednesday morning. So Chris got in some time with little miss Ember!

 The cousins had one last good time on Grandma and Grandpa's water bed! :)

My dear friend, Pam, came over for a visit Wednesday afternoon!

It was so nice to catch up with her and get one of her loving hugs!

 We went to Fountain Hills to feed the ducks!

They were hungry little guys!

 Ryken started off eating the bread himself…but soon got the concept to throw it to the ducks!

One for Ryken, one for the ducks...

 He was very comfortable with them!

 Playing at the park with Grandma!

 How perfect, a car for Ryken to sit in! 

 Chris and I had been wanting some more Vito's pizza. The pizza we had at our rehearsal dinner for our wedding. So we went and picked up it for dinner for everyone! It was delicious! 

After dinner, some other special friends came over for a visit. 

Pastor John and Roberta!

Ryken enjoyed playing with them, and they were kind enough to give a gift to the little miss who is yet to be born! Roberta couldn't make it to the surprise shower on Monday night. 

Time well spent! We love them!

Thursday

 We all went to the hospital to wish (Great) Grandma Flin a Happy Thanksgiving!

 Ryken got to ride the cows outside of the hospital! He enjoyed them!

 We went to the Perry's for another Thanksgiving gathering and meal. 

Growing up, we would go over most years! 

Mrs. Perry never disappoints with a beautiful table setting. And YES, we were eating outside. It was sunny and 75. Just beautiful!

 Ryken enjoyed playing with the ball outside with whoever would play with him!!

 After the meal, Jenn and Kade came over, along with Steph and Jace!

They were at their In-Laws, but made time to come over so we could spend a little more time together! 

It was great! 

Ryken was being sweet with Kade here!

 Can't get enough of these kinds of pictures!

 The men drinking some homemade Schnapps. 

 On our way home, we stopped by this house close to my parents that has this huge light display that goes along with music. We figured Ryken would like it! 

He did indeed! His head was bobbing to the music. 

Friday

Our flight was at 1:30pm. It was the ONLY flight at the Gateway Airport, so there were no lines and we walked right up and boarded within 5 minutes. We left early and had a smooth flight and luggage come out fast and we were on our way home! We were thankful! Chris got sick on the trip and had a rough time, so it was a huge blessing that everything went so smoothly! 

And what's funny is the same ladies that were in front of us on the way there, were in front of us on this flight too! 

Wonderful trip! Glad we were able to go!

And that wraps up the huge post of our trip! :)

There were over 300 pictures…so this was just a snap shot! ;)