Egg-cellent Times

The annual egg dying event was even more exciting this year than previous years.

First, because Grammy was in town to participate:
Second, because Crewe wore this awesome "egg hat" that he made at the library earlier in the week.
Cal wanted in on the egg hat action: Crewe, may I please wear your egg hat?
Crewe: Cal, you better take good care of it!
And third, because we initiated the "icky egg" tradition at our house.

The icky egg tradition is one that Chris had with his siblings. It goes like this: take one egg and dye it in every color so that it turns black; hide this icky egg in an extra difficult place to find; on Easter morning the finder gets to exchange the icky egg for a special surprise.

Another egg-cellent adventure was the annual Easter egg hunt at church.

Crewe and grammy scored.

So did Cal, who was anxious to give his chocolate rollos to his dad.
The miniature petting zoo was so fun. Cal loved the petting one of the new bunnies.
Post egg hunt we headed got to spend egg-cellent quality time with Cousin Aubrey and Grammy at the train park.
Grammy, Aubrey, please come visit again soon!
We can horse around some more and create more egg-cellent memories together.

More Colorado Fun

In our dream world we would live in Arizona September through May and "summer" in Colorado. We had such a great time visiting with family. Our only regret was that the time was much too short to see everyone we wanted to see.

The boys loved singing and playing with Grandma.

Cal's world revolved around Grandpa while we were there. He still asks to go to Grandpa's house when we get in the car.

Crewe was especially tender with Grandma Kay.Crewe loved his kitchen sink baths.
Parker, Merek and Cal were living a little boy's dream driving the car Grandma & Grandpa got for the grandchildren.Cal giving his Auntie Dor a thank you kiss for the yummy lunch she spoiled us with.
The girls after church on Sunday.
Olivia, Jenny, Mom and I spent Tuesday afternoon making 40 bottles of strawberry jam. Yum!

4th of July Fun

The fourth of July was great. The boys played outside at Grandma and Grandpa's in the morning (a luxury for these Arizonans) and Mom and Dad Calvert put on a fun and delicious BBQ for the extended family in the afternoon. Rain moved in during the late afternoon and the temperature took a real dip. Some may have been bummed that it was a wet holiday, but we loved the change it was from Arizona.

Serious 4th of July driversGrandpa & Grandma hanging with the grandkidsCrewe was right at home with Aunt Jenny
Everywhere KK went, Calahan and Crewe were sure to follow

Thanksgiving

Abraham Lincoln established the annual celebration of Thanksgiving in 1863 during the Civil War. He said "We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven; we have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity; we have grown in numbers, wealth and power as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God... It has seemed to me fit and proper that [the gifts of God] should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged with one heart and one voice by the whole American people. I do, therefore, invite my fellow citizens . . . to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens."

As we reflect on the abundant blessings our Father has given us we are overwhelmed. We are thankful for our families, friends, food to eat, a comfortable home, a free country, and experiences that develop our characters and stretch our limits. We are truly blessed to share this thing called life with so many loved ones this holiday season.

This Thanksgiving we were lucky enough to host 20 of our favorite Calverts in our home for dinner: Mom & Dad Calvert; Bobby, Lisa & kids; David, Jenny & kids; and Taylor, Ashley & Callie. Calahan was in heaven with so many of his cousins to entertain him. We had a delicious dinner, including a yummy turkey that was transported all the way from Las Vegas, the famous Moody drink, and Uncle Ross's mashed potatoes. Here are a few shots from the big day:

The young adult/teenager table

Croix and Oliva hanging at the kids table

David and Jenny (aren't they cute?!)

Mom and Dad with Crewe (as usual, Dad's getting ready to do the dishes!)

Crewe and aunt Lisa

Are you serious? We can make a fire in this?!

Calyx and Kennedy checking out the desert

Group nap time -- Good meals are SO exhausting!

A Game of Scum -- the perfect end to the day