Thanksgiving 2020

Thanksgiving was a memorable one this year. We started off the morning by learning that my sweet Grandpa Thorley, at the ripe old age of 95 moved on from this life to the next. For 100 days, his kids (my aunts and uncles) had been taking care of him, non-stop. The care center in SLC wasn't providing him the care that he needed, so they moved him home to Cedar City to finish out his days. He was the sweetest man. Always leaving a room with more friends, uplifting everyone he came in contact with, always smiling, and always loving. That was my grandpa. I had the realization as I was reflecting on his life, that I don't believe there have been many men as perfect as my grandpa, or as ready to enter the next life. If there is one word to describe him, it would be the word "good." I loved him, and I love that he was a part of my childhood. Thanksgiving was as good a day as any to be reunited with his sweetheart.

Station Park was scheduled to fly Santa and Mrs. Claus in on a helicopter to ring in the Christmas season COVID style. Of course we left late and missed the actual helicopter part, but we were able to see the procession, which was really fun.

The girls also got to meet Anna and Elsa in the flesh. Claire was awestruck just being near Elsa. She literally didn't know what to say, do, or where to look. It was hilarious!

I didn't get any real pictures of Thanksgiving. Claire woke up extremely early and was a beast by 11:00 am. So, Greg took Sofi over to party early with the cousins at the Spjute's while I stayed home and forced Claire to have quiet time. After 1.5 hours, she succumbed to a nap which we had to wake her up from in order to get to Thanksgiving dinner on time. Dinner consisted of us, Mark and Kathy, and the DItto's. It was quaint, but the food was excellent and the girls ate surprisingly well.

Afterwards, we had a fun evening and Claire didn't fall asleep until after midnight, thanks to her amazing nap. Needless to say, she hasn't had a nap since.

My nephew Thor was scheduled to be baptized in Hurricane Thanksgiving weekend, so we busted down south Friday to get there in time. Traffic was horrible, and I'm happy to say we somehow arrived in one piece.

My mom had been working on handmade blankets all year for her 9 grandkids and was giddy with excitement to give the girls their own special blankies. They instantly loved them! And it was fun to see how each blanket fit the personality of the girls perfectly.

Saturday was a beautiful day in Hurricane! It was fun to be around family again as if COVID wasn't a thing. Only Greg wore his mask in the church - so responsible. The sun was shining, the kids were playing, and it was fun to celebrate cute Thor on his special day.

We took advantage of going to our favorite Tonaquint Park in St. George. The place was super crowded and again, no one was wearing masks. It was so glorious!

We stayed in St. George long enough to play, drive around the temple to see the updates on the renovation, and to stop and get yummy custard from Nielsen's. 

We arrived back in Cedar just in time to eat dinner and go see the freshly lit Christmas Tree's. It was special this year because the event was held in my Grandpa's old store. It was crazy to see the building cleared out and noticed old fixtures I had no idea were there. Like an old fireplace that had been hidden behind stuff for decades. It's an amazing building, and it was fun to be back, even if it has new owners now.

Another miracle happened Saturday - the girls sat on Santa's lap, without screaming. I know, right?! It was a moment to behold, and it happened. Again, Claire didn't know where to look, or what to say or do. Poor girl was awestruck too much that weekend. But, it was important to Sofia that Santa know what she wanted him to bring her for Christmas, and she faced her fears. It was a sight to behold.

Cute Claire was spinning and dancing in front of these 3 mirrors. It was fun to watch because I used to do the exact same thing when I was a little girl. These mirrors are HUGE and make it so you see just about every angle of yourself.

We finished up the night by walking through the tree's at SUU and then driving to a fun neighborhood on the golf course that does the 12 days of Christmas, as you drive around. This pic was the icing on the cake for Greg.

Afterwards, my Mom and Dad offered to take everyone for ice cream at Arctic Circle, but since we had already had custard in St. George, we opted to take Claire home to bed, but let Sof jump in the car with them. I'm glad we did, she had a great time.

Saturday was a full, fun-filled day, and we were ready to head home Sunday. Christmas season has arrived!