THANKSGIVING 2015 (Nov. 26)

 This is the reason for this season.

 No wonder Wil thinks his Grandma is hilarious! 

 Display courtesy of Katie Wilkins.

 Check out those who attended. 

Crafting after the dinner....followed by games at home.

LEVAN HOMESTEAD NEWS: NOVEMBER 2015 EDITION

Dad: We went to Jacob’s on the 5^th for a six day visit. We stayed the first 3 nights at a motel because we got a good deal through Sam’s and it gave Jake and the girls a place to go swimming one day while Megan went to take some pictures. We fell in love with Ephraim right away. He has a great big smile just like Jake had as a baby. His eyes even disappear when he smiles. Some of fun things we did were: see Old Town and the Mormon Battalion Visitor’s Center, Coronado Island, Sea Port Village and the Ocean Front and an old town called, Julian, where we toured an old gold mine. We took the truck so we could bring Jake’s motorcycle back. I was glad we did, because the weather was cold and we came home to snow.

We got an even bigger snow storm on the 16^th.  We got about 8 inches of snow and it was a very wet snow.  It is nearly gone now, but we still have part of Mom’s snowman in the front yard.

Mom had a long activity run on Nov. 21^st, so I went up and got her.  We went to the temple with Blake, and out to Red Lobster for lunch with the gift certificate Mary gave Mom for her birthday. We ran a few errands, too.

Thanksgiving was a good day.  We  met in the Levan Church and we had a good group. We enjoyed the food, visiting and activities.  Katie and Tyler stayed for a few days following. They stayed long enough to help us get the Christmas tree up and the Polar Express train out.  Luke loved to drive the train forward, then backwards, then forwards, then backwards---giggling all the way.

We finished the month out by going to the Forgotten Carol’s.  Our Utah girls bought us tickets for Christmas and it was better than I remembered.  It was a fun night. That morning we had Lucas here for breakfast and a short visit.  He brought chocolate and Swiss Nutella.  It was good to see him. 

Mom: This month we experienced the circle of life within our family with Wil’s blessing, Samuel birth and Charlie Shaw’s passing.  Brenda tended so Bethany could attend the funeral. She represented our family and reported that it was really wonderful.  Charlie was endowed and had served a service mission from home.  His YSA branch president had recently given him a blessing and felt impressed to tell him that should the doors of heaven open, he should feel free to go as it had completed all he was sent to do.  Wow! All of us long to hear that assurance.

Dad mentioned our trip to visit Jake.  Let me add that we also attended an early morning session at the San Diego Temple.  It was amazingly beautiful inside and very unique. The Spirit was extra sweet there as well. It was good to add that temple to our list of temples visited.  If you haven’t been inside, you should really plan on it someday.  In addition, Meghan had planned for a three generation photo-shoot during our visit, complete with matching attire and a lovely spot to do it.  I can’t wait to see how they turned out.  I was so grateful for her foresight and planning.  They will be more priceless as the years go on.

Dad and I have been pretty focused on getting all the things done we need to before his surgery.  We spent a whole day cutting up, splitting, hauling and stacking wood. That evening Dad and I went to the new Snoopy Movie with Richard and Joyce Johnson.  It was fun, heart-warming, and a bit nostalgic with a solid message.  It was certainly worth seeing once.   The wood shed looks pretty good now.  It has become Abby’s new home with a cushy pillow bed and heated water dish. She has gone steadily downhill since Andrea left and it is sad to watch.  We don’t suppose she will make it through the winter, but Dad is giving her lots of TLC.   Happy Birthday to Meghan, Angela, Hayden, Eliza and welcome Little Samuel James Smith!  We love and miss you all!   

Sister Andrea Kenison: See andreaapril.blogspot.com