Surprise!

I took the opportunity of my unemployment to expand my 5 day Thanksgiving trip into a 2 week visit to see my family- but the first highlight was to surprise my mom. She had no idea I was coming, although the rest of the family knew. Jason and Jenn used the pretense of their family pictures to come over for the evening, and I came along! Jason took some pictures but I haven't gotten them from him yet. Since mom was all set up for the family pictures, we took some, including some with me, Kaitlynn and Addison. There were lots of over highlights, so here I've included some pictures to catch everyone up. Happy (very) belated Thanksgiving! 

Addison and I play with a pink soccer ball another kid was kind enough to let her borrow. 
Kaitlynn and me after her soccer game in the big inflatable Anchorage Sports Dome. 
We woke up to find this large friend in the backyard. He got in because a piece of the fence blew down in a wind storm. As soon as he left, Dad fixed the fence. I thought he just wanted to welcome me to Alaska. 
Yum: Fish tacos for dinner! Mackenzie and Schuyler smash some avocado for guacamole. 
Dessert: Ice cream and brownies. 
Addison loves her Duckie! 
Kaitlynn, Richard and I look at Europe pictures while Jason and Jenn try to get tickets to go to Seattle for my Grandpa Paeth's funeral. 
After more than 10 years living in this house, we finally got some curtains up! 
Grandpa Quest and Uncle Ed at Thanksgiving. 
The Thanksigiving crew: Grandpa Quest, Uncle Ed, Mom, Dad, me, Christopher, Kimberley, Mackenzie, Schuyler, Jason, Jenn, Kaitlynn, and Jenn's mom Heidi, dad, friend and brother Richard. Phew! 
Daisy had a long day too. 
It has been tradition ever since Jason was very little that he make the whipped cream. 
Addison gives some technical assistance. 
Snowboarding with Jason and Kaitlynn. Who cares if I only made it down the big hill once? At least I took a picture!  
Mackenzie, Schuyler and I bond over some canvas. I was painting Mom's Christmas present. 
The finished product. 
Kaitlynn's turn. I'm finishing Mom's painting. 
Mackenzie, Schuyler and I head to Kincaid for some sledding time in freezing cold. Thank goodness for the warm chalet and way too hot hot chocolate in the vending machine.