Thanksgiving Adventures

After Halloween, the next big event was Baby's Blessing, followed shortly thereafter by a Thanksgiving trip to Manti and Mesa.

More details can be found on the Baby Blog about this trip, but here are a few highlights!

We had the chance to surprise the family when we discovered that Jordan had an otherwise unused day off, and could fly down at the same time as me and the baby, instead of four days later as planned. I'm so glad he could, as it made the flight much, much easier. I have no idea how I'll repeat the experience without him when we leave for Christmas in a week.

Upon our arrival in Mesa we had the chance to visit with some of our friends and family, as well as show off the baby's Christmas attire at church. Then we whisked everyone away in a rented minivan to make the 11-hour drive up to Manti, divided into two days. Our Sunday night was spent at the Cameron Trading Post. We had the chance to also seek out the best pie on the trip, experimenting with what was served at the Rock Springs Cafe as well the "ho-made" pies of the Thunderbird Restaurant. Unfortunately, neither were quite up to snuff for us pie connoisseurs.

We made it to Manti on Monday afternoon, and enjoyed some of Grandma Walser's delicious stew. Jordan and I continued on to Provo the next morning with the use of Laura's car, and had the chance to catch up with some friends. The primary goal, however, was to have Jordan defend his thesis. He did so, and passed! After spending Tuesday night in Provo, we headed back to Manti, in spite of the obstacles before us.

We spent Wednesday back in Manti, celebrating and preparing for dinner the next day. Trent and Nadia were able to join us in Manti for Thanksgiving, and we also enjoyed a trip around the Manti temple (though we missed out on the chance to go in and do some work. We'll have to try again in Oregon this Christmas!). The end of this trip resulting in some hill rolling. (There's also a video of Jordan rolling down the hill that I may have to steal from Nadia).

Friday morning we started our journey back to Mesa. Jordan, myself, and the baby all journeyed down in Laura's car, and only arrived about 4 hours later than the rest of the family! I can't wait for this kid to take a bottle...

Saturday was spent finishing up our plans to catch up with family, as well as having professional pictures taken to show off the new addition. We spent the evening enjoying the lights and nativities at the Mesa Temple - just as we did two years ago when Jordan proposed!

Unfortunately, due to some remodeling/landscaping, "our" bench has been removed. It was pretty disappointing. We were going to show that bench to our children, and our children's children.

I guess that could be the bench there, but its in the wrong spot, and there were two benches and spotlights.

The next morning we left bright and early (4 a.m.) to catch a flight back to South Bend.
One of the highlights of the flight: On Allegiant Air, they actually use the word "whilst".