An Arizona Thanksgiving

One week ago we were in warm Mesa, Arizona spending Thanksgiving with the Stokers. It is a little different from this past week in Columbus, where the highest temputure was 42 degrees. We didn't mind one bit being able to wear our summer clothes one last time in 2008. We had a great time while we were there, and were able to see a lot of family. My Grandpa Stoker came in from Texas to celebrate, and Grandpa and Grandma Stock that spend half the year in Arizona joined us for the festivities as well. Ashley made the trip down from Utah (Caitlin we missed you) and my brother Brandon, his wife Jess and their new son Jackson were as well. It was our first time meeting Jackson, which was fantastic. He is so cute (and drooly)! It was a full house and we had a ton of fun. Here are some of the highlights.

We went on bike rides and here are some of our tricks.

We also played miniture golf, along with disk golf, soccer, football and a rousing game of wiffle ball. My Dad blew away the competition in mini golf... we'll beat him next year!

Later on in the week we visited the Casa Grande ruins. It was built by the Hohokum Indians between 1200- 1400 AD. It is four stories high and historians know little about it's purpose. It was the first ancient stucture protected by the government in the United States.

They had a great drinking fountain at the visitor's center. Look at my amazing balancing. No hands!

We also had a great cook-out. What is more Thanksgiving-esque then roasting marshmallows? Jackson loved the fire. He will make a great boy scout.

And then of course the feast.

We wish Thanksgiving came more than once a year!