Rasmussen Thanksgiving

We weren't really planning on driving down to Raymond for Thanksgiving this year. But, did we want to go for Christmas this year? Not really... 

The thing that really put us over the edge and made us travel down was learning that our niece/cousin Brooklyn was going to have her mission farewell on Sunday, and then both she and Ivory (another niece/cousin) were going to go through the temple for the first time the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. How can we pass up the opportunity to support them in this? Answer: we couldn't. So driving down we went.

First up was the traditional Thanksgiving meal with Kyler's whole family. Do I have any pictures of Kyler's siblings or the food? Definitely not. But I do have several pictures of the cousins playing.

Pushing and pulling each other on the rack around the room, as one is want to do.

Rachel and Kirk graciously let us stay at their place for the weekend, 

Which meant some time together

And with their family.

Which, as you can see, was quite fun.

Also fun, their trampoline.

Every day, always. 

Sunday was church in Lethbridge to listen to Brooklyn speak at her farewell!

Again, I somehow didn't take many pictures of the family and friends that gathered. At least I have this one of Kristina and Brooklyn.

While in Lethbridge, we also stopped by Henderson Lake to enjoy the beautiful weather.

In Alberta, you never quite know what weather October will bring, so we had to take advantage while we could.

We explored along the lakeside,

Played at the playground,

And I made each child pose for pretty autumn photos.

Some cooperated more than others.

On Thanksgiving Monday itself, we went to the Lethbridge Corn Maze.

Calista successfully led us to the exit of the main maze, and Caleb got to lead the way for the kiddie maze. 

Craig's favorite maze was the trivia one, I think. Any surprise there?

The animals were also rather amusing.  

You'd think they never got fed from how they acted. 

I know for a fact that is not true...!

Everyone's favorite part was probably the games the maze had, though.

There was a massive slide the kiddos went on several times, 

"Rat Race" tubes on tracks that made everybody dizzy.

And giggle.

And then there was the zip line!

Everyone went on it multiple times.
And so it was a good 

(and exhausting)

Thanksgiving.

Tuesday the kids technically had school, but we played hooky because we were still in Raymond/Lethbridge!

Kyler didn't skip work, instead working from Kirk and Rachel's while I took the kids to the nature centre in Lethbridge.

Again, we have to take advantage of good weather while it is here.

We walked around and saw some birds, including a northern flicker.

No pictures of the birds, though, so I suppose I could be just making it up.

After we finished our nature walk, we went out to A&W for lunch, where Craig got his first ever frosty mug of root beer.

He was initially unsure, but quickly warmed up. To the frosty mug. I feel like there's a pun to be made here...

And finally, Tuesday night, Kyler and I headed to the Cardston Temple to be with Brooklyn and Ivory as they went through the temple for the first time, together.

Looking around the temple and seeing so many members of our family and people who love these girls was wonderful. Definitely worth skipping school and staying an extra day!

Even if we did have a very long, late night.

This will be the last time we see Brooklyn and Ivory for almost 2 years. I'm glad we got to go down and support them and enjoy family!