Thanksgiving

I flew in to San Francisco with the kids for Thanksgiving while Deven wrapped up a deal at work and arranged to meet us a week later. The trip there was especially fun as I dealt with pee pee accidents in the air port, a very full and long airplane ride and one too many car seats for me to carry.  But I knew it would be worth it to see my whole family together at the ranch, which hasn't happened for a long time!  Right when we got to the ranch Bryan told us to stand all together for a picture.  As he was taking the picture he said, "everybody say: Taylor's pregnant!"  Great way to share the exciting news!

It didn't take long before Trenton was ready to explore the ranch again, with a special interest in keeping his cousin, Aspen, close by and a close eye on Grandpa Tiger.  Allison made quick friends with Tucker the dog and grew very attached to her uncle Trevor.  

My Mom's famous garden is always a hit with the kids and I love the inspiration it gives me to work on my own garden.  I can't believe how big the vegetables get!
My Dad is a busy body, but he spent a lot of time pushing Trenton on the swings, feeding the horses with him and even building a wooden toy tractor.  Trenton loves every minute he spends with his Grandpa. 

We spent our time enjoying the ranch, having dance parties in Trevor's room, playing dress up with the kids, exploring the attic and garage for forgotten treasures, cooking, coloring, more dance parties and promoting a lot of cousin and family bonding time.  

...Smile if you're excited for a baby in Aunt Taylor's tummy!

 

Grandpa and his girls with their pretty pink dresses from Grandma. 

The weather was nice enough for a family drive in the Mustang so we made sure to do that once or twice.  As to be expected, the kitchen was crazy on Thanksgiving, but it was well worth it for a perfect feast.  Deven cooked another beautiful turkey while I made a few pies.  We enjoyed having my Dad's aunt Carolyn, uncle Glen, cousin Terry and assistant Ann over to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner and talk about what we were thankful for.  

I love this picture of Trenton and his Lumberjack Uncles looking for the perfect Christmas tree in style. We have a fun tradition of driving up Big Basin's beautiful hills to get a tree after Thanksgiving.   We took our time wondering in the fresh air and even explored an old abandoned cabin. 

We took a few day-trips while we were there.  This was our first time brining the kids to San Francisco and we were still able to do all of our favorite things...which mainly include eating.  We had clam chowder bread bowls at Boudin's (the home of fresh baked sourdough bread!), walked Pier 39, visited the sea lions, window shopped, and ended the day with chocolate milkshakes from Ghirardelli Square. 

  

We also went to a beach house in Carmel for a day.  I wasn't anticipating anyone playing in the water as it was November and the cold Pacific Ocean... but as a mom I should have known better!  Of course all the kids (and Dad) wanted to do was play on the beach.  That night we ordered pizza to enjoy in the beach side house.

 

We always have a great time when we go and visit my parents.  I am especially happy that our kids will have such fun grandparents to go and visit as they grow up, and hopefully they'll develop great memories at the ranch like I have.