THANKSGIVING - SQUARED

Todd and I are blessed with having both of our families close by, which means......Thanksgiving SQUARED, yes....that translates to "Two Turkey Dinners"!!!  First of the day:

1:00PM Gustafson's

Finn & Kayla with tongues hanging out waiting for turkey.

Finn - Todd - Aunt Mickey

Uncle Charlie - Jonathan - Aunt Mickey

Gus carving the Turkey

Me and Kirra

Uncle Charlie & I

(I am just loving my new argyle sweater,
on clearance at Target for $5.96)

Brother & Sister

Mother and Daughter

Samson came with us to Grandma Violet's, as you can see he is completely stuffed with Turkey....we couldn't get him to budge.

4:30PM

On the road heading to our next Turkey Dinner at Grandma Edna's house.  Finn was overly excited to head South....he knew a brand new "boy" cousin was waiting for him.....

 Meet Cash Johnson...7 days old. 

Is he just the most adorable little cutie ever?

Dad and Todd enjoying the Thanksgiving feast.

Finn was in Heaven...

Caleb letting him hold his new cousin

 Cousins

(I love Caley in the bottom of the photo poruing gravy on her potato's)

 Mother and Daughter

Great Grandma Pat with Great Grandson Cash

(Patty's grandmother, I just loved her....she is originally from Virginia near the Blue Ridge mountains, she is 1 of 13 children and was a joy to speak with...I could have talked with her all evening!)

An American Living Room on Thanksgiving Day

Great Grandma Edna and her newest great grandson Cash

Many Many Blessings

Caitlin playing with Uncle Mark, if you notice the red Indian vests on some of the children...Grandma Cher made them with specific grandchildren in mind.  Finn was "Hawk Eye", Tiago was "Iron Rail " and Chloe was "Laughing Horsey".  My mother also created the beautiful Harvest Art you see throughout the photos.....Red Barn Mural & Indian Totem Poles......she is extremely talented, wish I had inherited that gene!!

Chloe AKA: Laughing Horsey

Finn AKA: HAWK EYE

(My apologizies Dev...I didn't get a photo of Tiago's,

will have to take one next time we visit)

Whatever could be going on here?  All the children and adults gathered around Caleb....it was the quietest the house had been all evening..........

AHHHHHHHHH.........changing Cash's diaper & outfit.   It drew a crowd and all I could think of as I snapped these shots was how life can't get any better than this.  New Life, New Beginnings.

I am truly thankful for all I have in my life...an abundancy of friends and family.  I have been doubly blessed with two amazing families.....the Richardson/Johnsons and the Gustafson/Giffords, I love you all!!!!

On the way home from Grandma Edna's we asked Finn what his favorite part of the day was.........his answer:  His new cousin and friend CASH.  I think I can speak for all us in agreeing with Finn, our biggest blessing this Thanksgiving was our newest family member.......CASH.

DREAM COME TRUE

I have ALWAYS wanted to see the Radio City Rockettes, there is just something magical about all those beautiful girls with long, long legs kicking in unison on stage to music.  My grandfather who grew up in New York City always spoke fondly of the Rockettes & Fashion models that walked the streets of New York....he said they were the most beautiful people on Earth.

GUESS WHAT

Dreams come true!!!   My sister in law & neices are taking me to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular for my birthday!  Can it be true?  Pinch Me!

I am going to have to wait EIGHT days......I feel like a child waiting for Santa Claus!  

Merry Christmas Indeed! 



DEATHLY HALLOWS REVIEW

I loved it but didn't like how they left us hanging at the end.....do we really have to wait 6 months for the second half?  How sad is that?

All of us waiting in line, minus Kayla

(taking the picture)

I couldn't imagine sharing the evening without my sisters.  We missed Kara, she originally planned on attending but ended up with a sooner than later Closing Escrow!

We look like the Three Witches of Eastwick....

a blond, brunette and red head!

Starting to go bug eyed waiting in the cold.......

waiting, waiting, waiting!

Being silly...

the cold was getting to us or was that the alcohol?

Kayla & Devon

Blue Eyed Harry Potter Fans

Are you impressed?

I was,

the girls were doing their Spanish homework.

I can say with utmost honesty,

TODDS THREE FAVORITE GIRLS

Hayley....almost done with her Spanish packet.  She finished with only minutes to spare before the curtain went up.

Go see it...but remember, I warned you.

You will be left wanting more!

TIME WITH FAMILY

Entering into the holiday weekend I find myself reflecting on what is really important, it's not about finding the perfect Turkey or searching endlessly for an oblong tablecloth, it's about spending as much time as I possibly can with family and friends.  Which leads me to this post....

Todd, Finn and I were getting ready to head over to Swirlicious on our bicylces for frozen yogurt when Devon, Tiago and Grandpa  Robert stopped by.  Tiago wanted to go with us,  and Uncle Todd being the awesome Uncle that he is had no problem with pulling extra weight and strapped him in upon his mother's approval.  Devon and Grandpa Robert were going to meet us at the yogurt shop.

I was ready to go....

I just can't get enough of my bike lately!

Off we Go!

One of our neighbors displaying their pride for Veterans.

Downtown with Grandpa

Upon return to our house,

we let the boys do a little driving of their own.  

Finn was in charge of securing the area, while Tiago drove.

Me and my Father

Before they headed off to San Clemente we served a quick appetizer of Hummus & Crackers and watched a beatiful sunset.  These are my favorite times, spontaneous bits of time with my family that just happen!

HARRY POTTER - MIDNIGHT - DEATHLY HALLOWS

I have valiantly read/watched/followed Harry Potter since the beginning.  Tonight, after a long wait the final movie is being released at midnight......Part 1 of 2.

You know I will be there counting down with all the other fans!  I can barely wait....will let you know my review tomorrow. 

MARITAL BLISS

I'm going to let you in on the secret

to my Marital happiness.....

When my husband gets out of line, I threaten him with a NERF Rifle...honestly it works, try it!  If you actually have to shoot them...you don't have a bloody mess and no medical attention is required.  Just look at how happy we are!  Todd's even smiling. 

Have a Good Weekend!

IT CAME TO PASS

Today was the day.

I felt myself starting to chicken out......then I thought about my health and the beautiful day awaiting me and that was all it took.

After 13 years I finally rode my bike to work!  I really have a short commute and have envisioned myself peddling to and from work but never seemed to actually get on my bike in the morning.  Did it really take 13 years for this small feat?

 The view from my bicycle as I headed South to work.....breathtaking!  This is what I have been missing out on all these years.

Lagoon view from left of my bicycle, how talented am I?  I can ride my bike and take photos at the same time!

Look how happy my bike looks at work.  I walked into the office feeling invigorated, full of energy and ready for anything thrown my way.  Only one more milestone for the day....my ride home at 5pm, TWILIGHT!  Wish me luck.