*thanks given*

We had a great Thanksgiving week (might have even been worth the aftermath [see 2 previous posts if you don't know what I am talking about]... still trying to decide.) So, pretty much Barlow-style vacations are multi-stop, on the move, pack in the action type va-kays if you know what I'm sayin. So here are our stops and here's who made the cast.

First stop:

Sin City- Las Vegas, Nevada.

Troy-boy, Barbara, Enya and Caden Banks let us crash at their house for a few days to catch up with them. Troy and I met in college in 1998 and have been kindred spirits since then. We both met our spouses and got married the Summer 2000 and then hung out as "couple friends" until graduating college. It was so fun to get together now that we each have 2 kids. We all picked up right where we left off and got along just as well as we did in the good ol' days-- and what's even greater-- our kids got along so well we hardly had to watch them at all! Thanks for all the good food, the comfy beds, awesome weather and great laughs. Until next time... New Zealand 2010? We're going and you're invited.

2nd Stop:

St George, Utah.

We were so excited to see Joe, Alysia, Kenzie, Will and Sadie Thomas. They were our next door neighbors in Switzerland for a year and our kids are practically siblings. They were soooo excited to see each other and had a great reunion. I was so happy that baby Sadie remembered me... she was only a little over a year old when they left. I couldn't believe it. It was really fun to be with Alysia in America. We laughed together at the times we dreamed about a Taco Time or Walmart, so felt like it would be appropriate to go to some of these places together. We hung out there (not at Taco Time-- their house, though both are possibilities) for 2 days and caught up on all the happenings.

On Wednesday we got a surprise visit from Justin, Katy, Ollie and Lily Anderson. They were also living in Switzerland when we all were there. Katy trained me how to survive in Switzerland- and I am pretty much indebted to her for life. Me, Alysia and Katy spent a lot of time together that summer causing commotion with all of our children in public. If only we'd had the circus music soundtrack to go along with all of the people staring we could have charged admission and made some money. The Andersons happened to be driving through St. George on the way to be with family for Thanksgiving. It was so fun to be all together again, re-live memories, play games, and just hang out. Oh and of course the boys had to talk about finance stuff and football... I just don't get it. Anyhow, I love having friends that no matter how long it's been since you've seen each other last it seems like you've never been apart. We love all you guys!

3rd and Final Stop:

Cedar City, Utah

Prestwich Family Extravaganza Thanksgiving Celebration cha-cha-cha

My whole family met together-- some from the way up North - Brendon and Danelle- Idaho, Ryan - SLC, and Hillery- from Provo-land. Some from the Southwest- Mom, Dad, and Aaron plus Erica, Weston, and kids Ian, Gena, and Poppy from Albuquerque--- and of course- the Mighty Barlows from Connecticut. But we were all there. It was so nice to be together and Wii together. We stayed at a hotel and did the festivities there.

My Dad's family all lives in the area - so we got to see all of them too! For years we have used Southern Utah as our meeting place for Thanksgiving because my dad's parents and many of his siblings live right around here. There were G-ma and G-pa and Aunt Pamela from New Harmony, Aunt Melanie and her kids-- Nathan, Carie (plus boy-toy Cody), and Rachel and Brian and cute little Braden from St. George. And last, but certainly most intelligent, Uncle Greg from American "Fark." Both of my parents are so good about visiting their families-- I really feel a close connection to each of my aunts, uncles and grandparents. When we get together we have a really fun time.

We did the dinner up right with all the fixins and then had a great white elephant gift exchange. The next few days were full of trips and spending time -- Vegas for black Friday (Jared and the kids opted out of that one and decided to hit the Bee Movie with Aunt Pam), heading up to Cedar Breaks on Saturday and watching BYU whoop the Utes in the evening. Plus lots of swimming in the indoor pool and stealing apples from the common area. Lots of memories made and relationships strengthened. (Can you tell I am getting tired of typing? Anyone still with me?)

Overall, a very sucessful trip. It made me very grateful for the good people the Lord has put in my path over the years by blood and by chance. I can't wait for more reunions with other friends that I haven't seen in a while.