Thanksgiving

With all of the western dwelling family members, we decided to have Thanksgiving at my sister Ashby's house in Phoenix. It was one of the best Thanksgiving weekends I've ever had. And I'm pretty sure I want to move to Phoenix. Here is the picture recap of the weekend. (Photos courtesy of Ashby)

Thanksgiving day started with a Turkey trot. Aaron and I missed it because we were flying to Phoenix at the time. But, here is the group that participated.
Once Aaron and I arrived, everyone went straight for the babe

But once they realized that Aaron and I were there too, they saw our super awesome Three Wolf Moon t-shirts. (For an explanation of the wolf moon shirt click HERE. Its definitely worth your while)
Aaron even grew out a WT fumanchu to go with his wolf/moon shirt
Finally it was Turkey time. The lovely host, Ryan, carving the bird.
The table. Gorgeous? Yes. My sisters whole house was gorgeous
After dinner, there were a lot of manly activities like watching football and arm wrestling
And napping (there was a blanket shortage, thus the towel)

Since Thanksgiving was officially over once the dishes were done, the Grandkids opened their Christmas jammies. Ryan helped Grace open hers.

The Stringham Ladies got matchy matchy Christmas jammies too.

On Friday the men Golfed

While the women got pedicures. Thanks Mom! (Snowflake design and polish called Mistle-toes-y, you better believe it)

For lunch, Five Guys. YES they have Five Guys in Phoenix... its amazing.

The Group. I think we took up half of the tables"Baby Grace," got lots of TLC from her cousins which she thoroughly enjoyed On Saturday, after a lunch at Cafe Rio, we took family pictures with Jen. here is a Preview that Ashby took.Then we headed to the Mesa Temple to see the Christmas lights.I was not in a good mood, can you tell?

Aside from my Christmas lights crankiness our Thanksgiving weekend was absolutely fabulous. We had so much fun being with family, having warm weather all day, and eating our hearts out. Ashby and Ryan thank you so much for letting us stay. You were great hosts and your house is amazing, I'm thinking about moving in with you.

Now lets start celebrating Christmas!

Oldies but Goodies

I asked my mom and Aaron's mom to send pictures of me and Aaron as babies so that i could compare them to Grace, thus the previous blog post. They both sent quite a few pictures that got Aaron and I laughing pretty hard . I figured they might just make your day too.

The classic front porch picture. My mom's only comment "Look at those bangs." Poor Ashby and Stacey.
Aaron and I spent a good 20 minutes laughing in regards to this picture. #1, its been colored on with a pen. #2- Aaron said "Thats me? That baby looks nothing like me." #3, the jury is still out on why Sarah is making that face. #4, you can almost hear Joe laughing in the picture. #5, where on earth is Liv looking? I think i might frame this.Ah, the Christmas card picture. The bangs are still in full force, as are the ruffles. Matt's face is priceless, as is his hand placementAaron and Joe. Is that a civil war fence in the background?A solo shot in my Christmas dressCan you believe this blonde haired kid was the same baby in the first Barnard family picture. No wonder Aaron didn't recognize himself.The eighties weren't such a fantastic decade for hair (sorry mom). What i love about this picture, is that i now own the sweater that i was wearing... crazy.I saved the best for last of course. This is the best picture ever. The parted hair, teary eyes, bow tie and vest. You can't get any better than that.

Kara or Aaron?

So where does Grace get her stunning good looks?

From her Mom?
Or her Dad?

New Moon

Kate, Travis, Aaron and I braved the crowds on Saturday and saw New Moon. I was kind of shocked at the amount of men that were there and some were there without girlfriends/wives.
We have made somewhat of a tradition out of the Twilight movies. Just like last year we started our evening with Kate's homemade potato soup, which was amazing. After taking pictures it struck me how much has changed since last November. Here we are November 2008

And November 2009. One baby and another on the way. (and much longer hair)

I'm excited to see what next November and Eclipse have to bring.

A few thoughts on New Moon: When reading the books i'm a die hard Team Edward fan, but watching the movies (Diana don't hate me) i'm a Team Jacob fan... interesting.

Get Comfortable

How to get comfortable after a long day of lounging and looking around.

Step One: Grab your favorite blanket

Step Two: Snuggle in

Step Three: Hold your blanket as close to your face as possible and fall asleep

This fail-proof three step program will insure maximum comfort. Enjoy.

Gracie's Announcement

Many thanks go out to my Mom for taking the picture and to my sister Ashby for making the announcement. You guys are wonderful!

In a Blog Rut?

Yes.

I can't seem to find anything interesting to blog about... but i'm working on it.

Found

"What the heck is that?" She finally realized that there are small fists flying by her face. She has yet to realize that they are attached to her. This new discovery is keeping everyone very entertained

Grandpa Wayne

Aaron's step-grandfather passed away last week. Aaron was able to get some time off so that he could drive to Utah and attend the funeral with his family. I wish that Grace and i could have gone too, but a 12 hour drive and a 2 month old just don't seem to mix. I'm really glad that Aaron was able to go and able to spend this time with his Grandma and family.

(Photos courtesy of Jami Barnard - Aaron's cousin)
Wayne was a military veteran (air force) so he had an official military burial with a gun salute and everything. Aaron said it was a really cool thing to see.Aaron with some of the Barnard clan.
My favorite memory of Wayne was that he and Aaron's grandmother were tearing up the dance floor at our wedding reception. He really knew how to bust a move.

Goodbye Grandpa Wayne, we'll miss you.

Big Flowers

I never thought i would be one of those girls who put big bows and big flowers in her daughter's hair... but now, i'm one of them... and i really like it. I think Gracie likes it too

Dutch Oven Cookout

Many moons ago at a game night there was a discussion of how incredible dutch oven food was. Melanie and Hayley decided to put a cookout together that included 6 dutch ovens- two entrees, two sides, and two desserts. I now have to agree that food made in a dutch oven is absolutely incredible. Plus the dutch oven is kind of the guys territory so they were the ones that cooked and tended to the food (always a plus). It was a fabulous reason to get together, stuff our faces, and chat. If there was pumpkin pie there i'm pretty sure you could have considered it to be Thanksgiving.

It was a little cold outside so Gracie stayed inside and maybe flirted a little with Kaleb.
Until her favorite person Melanie ventured inside.
I'm still full from it, but i can't wait until the next cookout.

Kate's Shower

On Friday I threw a baby shower for Kate to celebrate the upcoming arrival of Baby Boy Harrison.There was the guest of honor with her cute baby belly
Good friends
Great food (a dessert bar and chocolate fountain-courtesy of Melanie)
Cute baby cupcakes made by Angie.
And an awesome game called "Travis Said."

It was a really fun night. Thanks for being pregnant Kate so we could have an excuse to party. I'm so excited for the arrival of Baby Harrison!! Just a few more weeks!