This is going to get long

I've been pretty much MIA for awhile since we've had a plethora of company at Casa Rogers. I like to call it, National Lampoon's Thanksgiving Holiday -- complete with camper and everything!

Dustin's parents flew in last Saturday and by Thursday we had picked up a few more brothers and their families. In an effort to accommodate everyone, Doug -- Dustin's oldest brother -- brought his camper and parked it our front so we could all hang out as much as possible.

You all know how the weekend was, so I'll pick up with Tuesday. I took Cheryl to the spa for her Christmas gift. It was a sacrifice I tell you! We got hour long massages, then hour long facials, then a long lunch followed by pedicures. I did not want to leave, but I did have to make it home to pick the kids up from school. Yes, that literally took the entire day.

It even rained that day. I thought Ben was so cute when he came to pick up Ellie at the door with his umbrella.

Grandma also broke out the pillow cases she made for everyone, which led to a hallway sleepover. I don't know why they couldn't sleep somewhere softer.

Wednesday was cook-cook-everything-we-can-before-Thanksgiving and pie-making day. According to Nate, he loves pie. I couldn't think of the last time he had pie, but he loves it and blueberry pie is his favorite. Luckily Grandma Rogers is a skilled pie maker and also a sucker for a cute face.

Ellie picked out caramel apple nutty pie, but we got a plain apple pie out of the deal as well. Two pies for one request!

Thursday I got the privilege of hosting my first Thanksgiving without having to do any of the work. Between everyone we divided up the food and Dustin made the stuffing and veggies. Everything was really yummy and Sadie ate a dinner almost entirely of Trader Joe's cranberry sauce and rolls.

We also browsed the Black Friday ads and played some Rock Band


I guess some people went out early for Black Friday, but I slept in until after 8 and only braved the crowds later that afternoon. I didn't even buy anything. Casey and Sarah were trying to find an Iron Man DVD for her sister for Christmas and we couldn't find on at Best Buy or Wal-Mart. We headed over to Target and the DVD area was a MESS! Couldn't find one stinking DVD left and people are pushing and shoving everywhere you turn. So we decided to browse through the rest of the store and then head out. On the way out we're walking past the check-out stands and there is an entire display of Iron Man DVDs. Neatly stacked and completely untouched.

We also got a tour of the Arizona Train Museum. Nate was in HEAVEN! When we left he threw a huge hissy fit because he wanted to "Stay there forever and drive the train."The brave souls willing to be in a picture. I can't believe I climbed up into that engine with my kids, but I did.

We also tried out Joe's Farm Grill as seen on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. So so yummy. Although Dustin got the Thai Chicken salad -- blech. I guess he should have known better.

The rest of the weekend we fit in some Saboteur-- complete with a fabulous Maddy spazz out, a lot of MarioKart, Ellie made a bazillion Miis, Uncle Casey had to read the Pigeon books a few hundred times, some more shopping, lots of eating, a broken toilet seat, ELF, putting the Christmas lights on the house. .. and a trip to the ER.

Sadie busted her chin open while playing in the garage -- she fell over backwards on the umbroller -- and had to be whisked away. Nate and Ellie actually cried more than Sadie did. She came home with a Belle sticker and Casey and Sarah had bought her the Pigeon stuffed animal from the pigeon books. Nate really wanted the pigeon because after all, the pigeon is blue, so he must be a boy, but I told him he could have a present when he had to get stitches. He then ran around for the next few hours telling us he hurt his wrist the night before.

WOW -- that was long and now I'm really hungry thinking about all the good food!