Thanksgiving Break

It had been almost 10 years since we were home by the Van Grouw family

for Thanksgiving, since Steve has always coached Varsity basketball,

so this year was something different!

The weather was fantastic, everyone was healthy

and we had a great time!

beautiful sunset heading west Wednesday evening

supper in the van to get there faster

Happy Thanksgiving!

now their true personalities show :)

hanging out with cousins at the 

Post Thanksgiving supper in Sibley

lots of crafts and drawing, dolls, and games to keep them entertained

the "kid table" with Jen, Ash and cousin Missy

the "adult" table

Curt playing games with the littles

Aubrey attempting to play pool

Me and mom woke up early and left our house at 5 a.m.

to try our hand at Black Friday shopping!

our 2nd breakfast at 9:30 at Hardees

We were surprised how not busy it was in the early morning!

Rock star parking even!

(it did get busier later morning/early afternoon)

gorgeous weather!

We had the truck and the back seat filled with purchases.

Aubrey wanted to help Grandpa with chores.

relaxing with Grandma

this naughty girl went to hide upstairs under the bed to suck her thumb

Lighted Christmas parade in downtown Sioux Falls.

Every so often they would have a float with one of these on the end -

it was the basket to a hot air balloon. They would shoot the fire

to warm the crowd - quite something to see and feel the heat!

Avery was spoiled and got held by Grandpa. 

Christmas tree made out of wheel chairs - the group that Grandpa

went to Guatemala with. 

Aubrey enjoyed cousin time with Dakota. 

the girls and Weston sweeping in the feed in the free stall barn 

playing hide and seek in the round bales 

Avery got to be SO BRAVE and was carrying around 

Grandmas cats like it was no big deal!

The cats weren't even phased!

We went to the Sioux Center mall to go 

on a train ride with Weston.

Even teddy got a ride!

We went to "The Star" with Grandma, Weston, and

Aunt Jessica - cute movie! And no one even had to leave

to go potty or because they were bored!

Ash watched the kids while Mom and me shopped!

The girls had a great time - thank you!