Thanksgiving vacation

9:12 PM

Ugh, just writing "thanksgiving vacation" for the title makes me wish I was back with the family in Oregon. This year, Bryan was lucky to have 2 weeks off from school and so we took advantage of all that time and headed up to my parents house in Oregon. We stayed with them for a couple of days and then got to stay with my sister and her family who just moved to Washington. The whole break was pure bliss and it went by way too fast.

But before before we left I have to record the fun few days we had in AZ. We had a groupon to a bowling alley expiring soon and our friends, the Woods, were so nice to come bowling with us and show us their mad bowling skills. Speaking of groupon, we used tons of their deals during our break. I think the title of my posts should be "a Groupon Thanksgiving." (advice for travelers, sign up to get groupon deals for the place you are visiting. You would be surprised how many you may use :)

The cheerleaders

While in Oregon, my parents graciously watched Evelyn so Bryan and I could go on a little getaway for a night. It's been way too long since we have done that and it was so fun. We got to see Body Worlds at OMSI which was absolutely amazing. At the end of the exhibit they had a full size giraffe cadaver which was amazing to look at. Who knew that giraffes have the same number of neck vertebrae as a human?

After our getaway we spent time with Bryan's brother Herb and his family and went bowling, played lots of games, ate tons of good food, the girls dressed up, went to OMSI and played in a turkey bowl. But it was weird going to Oregon without seeing Bryan's parents since they recently moved to Florida. We missed them!

Evelyn insisted on kicking the bowling ball instead of rolling it. It made for a very SLOW ball down the lane :)

Evelyn adored her cousins. I can't believe how much her and Nora look alike

Evelyn had so much glitter on she sparkled like Edward on the Twilight movies

Christian, chill as ever

Turkey bowl with Tay and Herb

This vacation was also a memorable one because my 5 sisters and their families were all there. We did miss my sisters in law Janelle, Tiffany and Danielle!

We visited this huge library in Vancouver WA where the third level is devoted to kid centered activities. With cousins Kenna, Spencer, Isaac and Bryson

We hit up the zoo even in the downpour rain. It was our last day to use the groupon so we bundled the kids up and braved it. It actually turned out to be so much fun. Because of the bad weather, we literally had the whole zoo to ourselves and all the animals were out during that time.

The size of Evelyn compared to a bear

Evelyn and her monkey friend

And then Thanksgiving was absolutely delicious. All of the adults weighed in before and after the dinner to see who won the contest for the most weight gained. I didn't win but I did gain way more than I anticipated :) So worth it though! My brother in law made an amazing triple chocolate mousse cake all homemade and my sister made an "apple" pie in honor of Steve Jobs.

Then my cute niece Sydney put on a program with script and costume completely on her own. Evelyn was an Indian (are you surprised?) :)