Thanksgiving Visit

Part One - Oklahoma!

Each time we take this trip in the fall we enjoy seeing this town's haybale creations!

We have driven by this gas station many times on our drive to my parents and I recently realized it was part of Route 66! We decided to take time to stop and check it out.

We enjoyed a few days around the farm and the kids worked with Papa on excavating an old homestead site. They didn't find as much as they were hoping for but had a fun time!

Helping load firewood.

Enjoying some extra little brother time.

Turkey prep.

We enjoyed a rare not-windy day playing frisbee.

Drawing time.

Part Two - New Mexico!

This year we took a trip to Red River to fit in a chance for the kids to try skiing. My dad went each winter back in his pre-kid days and had some great memories he has always talked about, so we were excited to spend some special family time and make some memories here.

Getting our first fire started.
LOVED this huge fireplace.

While we prepped the food some got to enjoy the recorded Macy's parade.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Loved seeing the generations of readers.
A.J. isn't reading in this one but he enjoyed some reading time as well.

Ski Lessons! Their teacher was phenomenal.
Both kids were excited after their morning lesson.

Makin enjoyed his new RC car.
(Can you find it? ;))

A game of Bells.

Skiing Day Two. :)

Family Photo Time!

What 12-year-old can resist an icicle sword?

Loved these trees in the backyard.

Hot chocolate time!

We were a stone's-throw from the slopes so took some liberties to head to snow tubing. ;) 

One of my favorite activities was snow tubing!
Didn't get nearly enough pics but was so much fun!
Makin stuck with Uncle A.J. so no pics!

Yes, that would be sunset with a cresent moon.
Absolutely gorgeous.

S'mores time!
Then we enjoyed the Torch-Light Parade, where many skiers head down the slopes carrying flares.
It was so fun to see!
Lorelei and I drove down to catch it up close
while the rest stayed cozy and enjoyed the view from the front porch!

A Game of Family Feud

We awoke to this view the next morning! WOW!

SO excited to enjoy the snow!

Pretty much the most adorable snowman ever.

One more family pic before venturing out into the snow.

We all made it safely home eventually! The Stahl family had a couple of setbacks due to driving in a rental car that was not made for snow...but we made it home. :)

Thankful for our adventure!

November Snapshots and Photo Shoot

Saving Goals

Makin decided he really wanted a laser engraver which got him into quite a money-making focus to save up. It took him longer than he would've liked (about two weeks) but he sure is enjoying his hard-earned purchase!

Can you see all the flecks of dirt from power washing?

Bow and Arrow

Outdoor time seems a little harder to fit in than in the old park days but I sure love it when I get to take in an unexpected sunset.

Sweet Home Alaska

I have been anticipating this read-aloud and we really enjoyed it! A little fictional history about a family who moved north as part of a program to settle Alaska during the Great Depression. 

Photo Shoot

I often don't know quite when I can fit in a photo shoot and this one is two months past their birthdays but better late than never! :)

Beyond thrilled at their mother's love for photography. ;)

Quick change and we enjoyed a scenic walk followed by custard!
(It's probably not good that I discovered the Pumpkin Pie Concrete!)