Thanksgiving

Because of the distance between both families, we switch every other year as to where we celebrate Thanksgiving. This year was our year to go to Colorado to spend time with my parents and other siblings that could join.. They only live 5 and 1/2 hours away, but I still get anxious every time we hit the road because you just never know what the kiddos will throw at you while you are driving. I'd say it was another successful ride! On the ride there they both took a little snooze, but never at the same time unfortunately. Andersen was crashed first,

and then it was Jackson's turn!

We arrived on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and spent the first and 2nd days hanging out with my Sister and her family until my 2 brothers and some of their families joined the party. Then it was finally Thanksgiving Day. I think my mom spent the whole day cooking! Luckily she had plenty of extra hands to help, including this cutie! My mom made everything from salads, homemade rolls, and all the usually holiday sides

 while my Dad and Mike fried up 2 birds! We have been deep frying our Turkeys for years and I would definitely say that is the way to go!

Many hours later the Feast was ready! Since we have multiple tables my mom had the smart idea of serving it up buffet style. We all took a walk through, once or twice, and then took our seats to eat. I am not a huge fan of the actual Thanksgiving menu itself, but there is just something different about enjoying a nice meal surrounded by family. Nothing but good times and the conversations with the Sampsons never disappoint! The last Thanksgiving we were in Colorado for, Andersen was just a couple weeks old and Jacks slept through it all.

This year Andersen took his turn to catch up on some Zzz's even before the turkey buzz could hit.

He was more than happy to wake up for dessert though and help Grandma Kay make the whipped cream for pumpkin and blueberry pie.

The rest of the time spent in Colorado the kids found plenty to keep them busy. Uncle Jared brought pop rocks for everyone. Definitely a hit and the kids loved it!

That is all but Andersen. He didn't know what to think of the crazy stuff in his mouth, but he kept going back for more!

The kids also loved to spend time with the Horses. They have about a dozen horses that someone just lets roam in the many acres behind them. The kids loved feeding them weeds and seeing how close they could get without the horses touching them.

A new activity at Grandma's house is the Wii and XBOX Kinect. They danced it up all hours of the day. This is where Jacks found his love for dancing and only wanted to do the "robot" dance on Just Dance 2. He loved it so much that we tracked the game down for him for Christmas.

We also took a quick trip over to the bowling alley. Jacks and Andersen loved every second of this! Jacks has only been a couple times, but this was Andersen's first. It definitely didn't disappoint for either of them, especially Andersen. Aunt Lynne found his soft spot and shared her game with him and the rest is history. He was very standoffish to Lynne for a couple days since he didn't know her but bowling is where their little buddy friendship for the rest of the weekend started.

The highlight though of the weekend was shooting guns with Grandpa. It just wouldn't be a trip to Colorado without Grandpa letting the big and little kiddos blow some stuff up right in their backyard.

This year it was Grandma Kay's cracked bowling ball, from the bowling alley earlier that day, that we used as a target. Grandpa put them out a few yards and set up a steady shooting station for all the grandkids to take a couple shots.

Jacks got to go first! He was so excited. Definitely his first time shooting a gun, so Grandpa helped him line it up quite a bit. Jacks still hasn't stopped talking about this!

I think Jacks got a couple hits, but just after a few shots from the kids the bowling ball starting looking like this.

A few more rounds from everyone else including me and Uncle Mike,

 

and we eventually shattered it to pieces!

If you have ever wondered what was inside a bowling bowl, Riley is holding it! Nothing but a small weight. Definitely entertaining no matter what was inside the ball at the end. This kept us all busy for a couple hours.

Overall, I would say the weekend was memorable. We all shared many laughs and good stories, but more importantly the kids got to hangout at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Here is grandma with only half the grand-kids. We are definitely low on the girls in this family, but the kids don't seem to mind. They loved every second of this Thanksgiving break.

But I think the one that got spoiled the most was this little guy! He was always sneaking treats or going to see the horses with Uncle Jared, cuddling and napping with anyone that would hold him, getting into mischief, or playing with his new friend Aunt Lynney.

Definitely some fun times with family! I just wished we all lived a little closer to do it more often.