November started out as a crazy month. We hadn't really announced that we were expecting baby #4. We actually found out what we were expecting on the 12th. It was an exciting day. It also happened to be my sister Whitney's b.day. So, Happy Birthday Sister. We sent the older boys to school that morning and Jeremy, Rykin and I went to our appointment. We really were excited and nervous at the same time. During the weeks before Dagen would tell us that he wanted a sister and if we were to have a brother, well then we would have to give Rykin away. We kept explaining to him that when Rykin was born, we didn't give him away. It finally clicked with him and he changed his mind saying he wanted a baby brother. It was so funny to hear him talk about how he was so excited to have another brother. Easton, he was good either way, but he did want a sister. Rykin, he didn't understand what we were talking about. He was cute though, at the appointment he was very protective over me and wondering what was going on. We are a family of all boys. Yes, we are having another boy. I am not going to lie, it was tough news to swallow, but we are so excited and thankful the baby is healthy. Now we are on to choosing a name, we have used all our other names on the older boys and are having quite a time trying to come up with what to name this little guy. So, if you have any suggestions for us, please let us know. We really do feel blessed to be expecting another boy.
We had the opportunity to go to Arizona for Thanksgiving. It was so fun. A very quick trip, but one that was so fun and worth it. We started off our trip by going to Kayenta and spending the night at Jory and Chani's. It was so fun, although Dagen got car sick, we did enjoy our time with them and seeing their sweet baby girl Mikelle. We can't believe that she is now 1 year old. It seems like the last time we saw her she was just a baby and it was at her blessing. My how time flies. Thanks Uncle Jory and Aunt Chani for you loving hospitality to us especially as we arrived there so late. We love you guys.
Once we got Dagen situated for the morning, we got our things ready to go and headed down to Grandma & Bumpa Rhoton's home. It was a long drive, but we made it. We arrived and enjoyed visiting with family. The boys couldn't wait to see their "bestest friends" the next day. It wouldn't come fast enough for them. They enjoyed the weather and being outside and playing. One thing they really enjoyed was the dirt and playing outside. It was so nice for them to enjoy the weather and be outside. It made us realize we really do need a back yard for all these sweet boys. When our "bestest friends" came over the boys were elated. It was such an exciting time to see them reunite with cousins and enjoy spending time with them. We sure do miss them.
We had Thanksgiving on Friday instead of Thursday. It was kind of funny, we ended up doing dutch oven on Thursday. Jeremy and Bumpa did all the work. It was so yummy. It was kind of fun waiting for Thanksgiving. Easton had 3 of his teeth pulled. Whitney, "Aunt Mena" pulled out two and Uncle Kamm pulled out the other one. He will never forget that. Yes, the tooth fairy did come and left him a whole $9.00 for all his teeth. He wrote the Tooth Fairy a note and let him know that he was at Grandma and Bumpa's home instead of his own. It was so cute. He was so excited to see that it came and left some money. A little disappointed that it didn't take his teeth, but it was so funny to see how excited he was. Gotta love the excitement of something so magical. Friday, we had Thanksgiving and saw more family come over. It was so fun to see how everybody has grown and families are changing. It was truly a treat to be able to spend time with them. We miss each of them and can't wait until we see them again. On thing we did on Thanksgiving was had a stick horse rodeo. It was so fun to see everybody outside enjoying the things we did as kids. It was so fun. What a great idea Mom. We also had some other activities that we did. The girls well the nieces made friendship bracelets from a kit Mom had and the boys played ball, catch and the little boys threw a ball at a target. It was so fun to visit with everybody and enjoy those sweet memories that were made. Thanks Mom and Dad for all the hard work you put into entertaining all our families.
Saturday started off early. Whitney went through the temple and received her endowments. It was such a neat experience to be there with her and in such a beautiful temple. We were at the Gila Valley Temple. What a blessing it is to have the temple closer to them so they are able to attend more. It truly was a beautiful day and Whitney looked beautiful. Congratulations sister. What a blessing it was to be able to attend with you. Jeremy stayed and helped watch kids so I could go through with her. It was such a sweet thing for him to do. Thank you honey. I owe you one. Later we went to a Mexican restaurant. It was so good and was nice to see all my boys and meet up with family. What a fun day it was.
Sunday, we decided to head home. What a crazy time to head home. There was a big snow storm and we got caught in it. We so a few accidents on the way and I just kept praying as Jeremy drove that nothing would happen to us. We had lots of people check in with us to make sure things were okay. Thank you all for your love and concern for us. It was a long trip home due to the snow storm. We finally made it and were so glad to be home. What a blessing to make it safe and sound. We truly are thankful for the opportunity we had to go to Arizona and be with family. It was a blast and we had a lot of fun.
Easton at Uncle Jory and Aunt Chani's home "before teeth being pulled"
Rykin just looking cute as Aunt Chani took his picture
Dagen in his element as he was loading dirt into the wagon, with cousin Daya.