Thanksgiving

Tuesday night we had a baby shower for Alicia! We did it then because Kate and Ryan were in town. It was so fun to hang out with all of our cute friends and catch up. Plus, Alicia got some super cute things for little baby Will! Of course, I only got one picture, but I quite like it.

Love my cute sisters

Wednesday morning I was doing my laundry (which equates to me being still in my pajamas around noon) when Jeff called me and asked me if I wanted to go to lunch. Turns out he had picked up a friend at the airport. . .Derrick!

Derrick surprised everyone by flying in from Minnesota for Thanksgiving! The elders' quorum president in the singles' ward here in Centerville found out Derrick wasn't coming home for Thanksgiving and refused to take no for an answer when he offered to give Derrick his frequent flier miles. Thank you Eric Clark! It was so much fun to have him around! 

As we were leaving for lunch, my mom pulled up, so Derrick got out to surprise her. She hugged him, and then said, "You look terrible!" So funny! We had lunch at Iggy's all together, which was delicious.

As you can see, he has quite the beard growing. Surprisingly he doesn't look too bad with a beard, although it is much more blonde than I thought it would be. Dale and Shauna's family came over for Thanksgiving dinner, so the house was full of little kids, which is just how we like it!

Table

We also went up to Andrea's and had some dessert and visited with hers and Greg's families, as well as Phyllis, Calvin, and Marie who all spent Thanksgiving up there. I realize I might be slightly biased, but I think my family is the absolute best. 

That night Alicia, Peter, Amy, and I went to "Catching Fire." I was dying to see it, and was not disappointed. I cried like three times. (I get very emotional lately. Get over it.)

Abby holding Porter

Lyla doing math with Shannon

Abby and Derrick

Dad opening some early Christmas presents

We got Derrick the same shirt so they can match!

I loved getting to spend so much time with my family over Thanksgiving. They are simply the best people ever, and there is nothing in the world I am more grateful for than them!