Happy 85th Birthday!

 My good friend Bea turned 85 the day after Thanksgiving, so the Griffith family and myself threw her a surprise party. I ordered her cake from Costco because I love their cakes (do you see a theme here?).

 We then set up the TV, chairs, snack table, and a few decorations in the back of the cultural hall (that sounds so much better than "the gym").

Some of Bea's closest friends from church came,

as well as her family (on the back row). It was so nice to visit a little with her family whom we rarely see because they don't go to our church.

 Nicole Charles, our RS president picked up Bea and told her they were having a Visiting Teacher Supervisor's meeting at the church (luckily, her family was smart enough to park in the back of the church).

  We tried to stay quiet until Brandi Griffith opened the door as we all yelled "Surprise!"

  We then sang "Happy Birthday" and cut the cake.

While eating cake we watched a slide show of Bea's growing up years created by Brandi, with pictures sent by Bea's son Bruce. 

We then played "Jeopardy", which Darin Griffith made, with facts from questions his children asked Bea, while driving to the Temple one day.  

 

 

Bea explaining some of those facts in more detail.

  

  Everyone enjoyed guessing and learning more about Bea's life.

Bea reading a card from Mary Walker. 

(Our two little lovebirds again, Amanda and Noe).  

  Foot warmers from Mary.

Visiting with Bea after the party. 

I'm so grateful for Bea and the good friend she is to me, and I hope we can celebrate many more of her birthdays to come!

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving in Georgetown, Kentucky

The Holts were so nice to invite us over for Thanksgiving dinner this year!!!

 

 Austin's friend Kaiden Johnson and the Elders were also lucky enough to spend Thanksgiving at the Holts.

 Veronica, the best hostess ever!!

 Veronica's beautiful thanksgiving table,

 and turkey! 

The entire meal was so delicious, and cooked to perfection!!

 And I slaved over buying the Costco pies!! However, I did make the pecan pie from scratch (well almost...I bought the ready-made crust).

  Great food and great company, what more could you ask for?!

 The Elders mid-bite, you always need one of those pictures, especially on Thanksgiving!!

 

 

 

 After dinner Merinda, Austin, and Kaiden played board games.

 And then Austin and Kaiden played card games (the good kind) with the Missionaries. 

 

 

 

The rest of us took selfies and just talked. It was the perfect peaceful Thanksgiving and we can't thank the Holt family enough for inviting us!!

Thanksgiving in Buhl, Idaho

The girl's Thanksgiving was not so peaceful, but a good time none-the-less. Brittney and Aubrey spent Thanksgiving in Buhl, Idaho with the Manwaring family. The only families not present were us and Vicki's family.

Aubrey also took a picture of her plate, although I think there was probably more to eat than just turkey, potatoes/gravy, and a roll. However, this is an Aubrey plate if I've ever seem one! Virginia even made Brittney-friendly thanksgiving food, which is no easy task!!

 Grandma Virginia, the other best hostess ever!!

 Grandpa Manwaring with his knee brace,

 and Blake's adorable dog!

Grandpa, Virginia, and the Manwaring children/spouses (minus Brad and Vicki). 

The Manwaring grandkids (minus Alyssa, Dallin, Merinda and Breck), eating in the garage (with that many bodies, where do you put them all?).

 

 

 The youngest of the grandkids, except Eva, who is the family photo bomber! 

We are so grateful for the Manwaring family who always take such good care of our girls!!! And I want to personally thank Aunt Beth, who channeled her inner JC Haws, to provide us with these wonderful photos!

Thanksgiving in Georgetown, KY with Breck!

A week later we had another Thanksgiving dinner with Breck! 

I made a kale salad and pecan pie again, but the rest was not as good as Veronica's!

The best part was just having my boy home again!