Sun Valley

For the past 10 years or so my dad's side of the family has had a family reunion over Thanksgiving in Sun Valley. I have cousins from various parts of the US and at times over seas so it's really nice for the whole family to get together. It's fun to see everyone and it's a nice little vacation during a busy part of the year. Normally we go skiing during the days and at night we go to dinner and play games with the family. However, this year was unseasonably warm (darn global warming) and the ski resorts postponed their opening dates. At first I was a little bummed because they have pretty good pre-season rates which accommodates our non-existent budget for skiing, however, we were able to do so many other activities because it was nice outside. One day we rented bikes and Hazen took us to a really fun mountain trail and another day Katie decided to make Torie and me run up a mountain (ok so not that fun).

We absolutely adore my niece and nephew. We don't get to see them very often since they live in Denver so when we get to we can't quite get enough. The first night in Sun Valley we went bowling and Ava loved it.

Ava with a mouthful of gum balls.

Miles loved the gum balls too but when he purchased his fourth I asked him where the other three went and he pointed to his stomach... great... not only have I allowed way too much sugar to enter a body that small but now there is about a pound of gum clogging his insides. I sadly had to threaten him with the old wife's tale that the gum would be in his stomach for seven years. When that didn't phase him, Jenn told him an elephant is growing in his stomach because he swallowed so many, he laughed at first but I think he was a little concerned because he didn't try to buy another.

Ava helping Grandma bowl..... and Brock.... and me. She was so cute!

Torie teaching Miles her dance moves. The kids loved the jukebox.

After dinner one night my cousin Heidi took family pictures of everyone, so while we were waiting we snapped some individual family shots.


The cute couple - Jenn and TorieKatie, Steve, Mile and Ava. Doesn't her job look easy?Julia, Jenn and Torie Bug

Brock's 27!!

Thanksgiving happened to fall over Brock's Birthday this year!! Celebrating your birthday at your in-laws family reunion probably isn't the funnest, but Brock and seemed to have a good time. We went mountain biking during the day, relaxed that afternoon, went swimming after dinner and watched a movie while eating ice cream and brownies - yum...

Hazen was our tour guide. Since his family goes to Sun Valley every year in the summer, he knew where all the fun trails were Brock took Miles and Alissa for a ride on the bike. Miles couldn't remember Alissa's name so he referred to her as "my cousin" the whole week. It probably doesn't sound that odd but when they would be sitting right next to each other and Miles says "my cousin wants that" everyone couldn't help but laugh.


Jenn made Brock a car out of cups, hotel soap (for the wheels) and straws. Miles loved it!



My Dad got onesie pajamas for everyone in my family. Sadly, I didn't receive mine in time for the pictures... Brock requested that everyone wear their red pajamas for brownies and ice cream. Jenn, Torie, mom and Brock

Yes, the pajamas come included with a bum flap.

Happy Thanksgiving!