Thankful Thanksgiving

We had the gift of being together with 2 of the 5 Eckert brothers and their families for Thanksgiving. It's the most fun.

Gayle had to work, so it was up to Ruth and I to prepare the bird and fixings. I have to say that we rocked it! We spent the next days hanging out together. The girls loved jumping on Doug and Ruth's trampoline and are in awe of their cousins. We celebrated Dave's birthday on Saturday night with an Italian theme complete with "mustachios." 

Great conversation, lots of laughs, good food.... 

We always leave Flagstaff with full hearts.

Run, Eckerts, Run

Ron and I ran a 1/2 marathon just before Thanksgiving. This was my 4th half marathon and Ron's 2nd. We had fun together... well, as much fun as 2 people can have as they run 13.1 miles. The weather was perfect and the scenery was gorgeous. Ron gave me a true gift in running with me the whole time. I argued and tried to change his mind, but he trotted alongside me for the entire race even though he had trained hard and could have finished it in half the time that it took me. Love him! He's amazing! Ron is a coach- right down to his core he's encouraging, helpful, wise and motivating. One of the highlights was having the girls meet us at the 7 mile mark to cheer us on. 

Paper Bonnets and Nitrate Free Turkey Dogs

We entered into the Thanksgiving season with a true feast. Rosie got to dress like a participant of the first Thanksgiving. She chose a pilgrim girl despite mommy's coaxing to dress like a Native American.  She made a paper bonnet and it was settled. 

I got a note home that said I was to bring 8 nitrate free turkey hotdogs. 

Hello, Orange County!

Later that day, she did a costume change. Thanks for walking in everyone's moccasins, Rosie.

Nana and Papa came to visit for Thanksgiving and we met them for lunch. Notice Rosie's still wearing the paper bonnet!

Happy Birthday, Pirate Captain Henry Hunt

Henry Hunt turned three.

With a 3 year old boy at the forefront of their minds, my parents constructed a pirate ship.

Sadie cracked me up as she wielded a machete, forced her cousins to walk the plank at knife point.. her eye mysteriously gouged out in a fierce battle. Rest assured: Peter Pan often came to Rosie and Lucy's rescue before they hit the water below. 

Sounds a little violent as I type it out. 

Happy Birthday, Pirate Henry. Thanks for introducing us to boy stuff.