Christmas in SLC

We had a great Christmas! Lots of traveling, family, friends, food, fun, and presents. It all went by so fast but it does feel like we have been out of the routine of life for some time now. Today I'm busy re-stocking the house with food, doing laundry, and trying to get things put away and cleaned up.

The kids and I started things off by driving by ourselves for the 1st time to SLC. The kids did really great on the long drive and we were grateful that rain was the worst of the weather we faced on the way there. We did have one minor scare when our windshield wipers decided to go out half way between St. George and Cedar City (as in the middle of nowhere). We made it to Cedar City sans wipers which made for some interesting moments in the pouring rain. I would have stopped but I knew it wasn't likely that the rain was going to let up and there was nothing around where we could get help. In Cedar City I was able to buy a replacement fuse (and maybe about 10 extras just incase) and install it myself with a little assurance from Lance on the phone. We were probably in Cedar City for about 45 min. with that, getting gas, and a stop in the McDonalds playland for some food. After that it was smooth sailing although we were slightly nervous to use the wipers too much. Kai and I came up with a game called "see how far you can drive without using your wipers". It is loads of fun.

The next morning we woke up to a white wonderland which was such a treat. The kids had a blast being reunited with snow. Kai really wanted to make a snowman so I let him go at it and was surprised to see how well he did all on his own. Rori seemed to be more interested in eating the snow.













We spent one morning hanging out at the Ottesen's with the Wilkinson's. It was just like old times and we all loved every second of it.



That night Kimberley and the kids came over to make and decorate Christmas cookies with us. We snacked on some but left a good selection for Santa.








Lance flew in on Wednesday night and arrived at his parents house just about 15 minutes before the Mullins pulled in from Seattle. We didn't waste anytime because the next morning we headed up to Brighton for some skiing. Grandma and Grandpa had gotten all the older cousins a ski lesson for Christmas. Rori was sure she was supposed to be part of the big kids group- maybe next year. Lance decided to take advantage of being on the mountain and also got in a morning of skiing. The rest of us watched the lessons, played in the snow, and then headed back inside to watch where it was a little warmer. Kai had a great time and is really developing a love for skiing. If we were still in SLC we would for sure be taking him back up more. Many thanks to Grandma and Grandpa for such a great gift!






That night we headed to Temple Square for our annual tradition of checking out the Christmas lights. We were thrilled that the Wilkinson's were able to join us for the lights and some dinner afterward.









On Christmas Eve day we headed up to the Cabin in Bear Lake. It was a super fun way to spend Christmas. Kai and Rori were in cousin heaven. There was lots of sledding, 4-wheeling, kids club playing and on and on. That night we had a yummy feast, we acted out the nativity, and we opened up cousin gifts and PJ's. It was really fun to all be together.














The next morning Santa had made a visit to the Cabin. There were full stockings and lots of gifts to open. Santa had also left some gifts for our kids in San Diego so boy did they make out. Christmas day involved playing with gifts, super yummy breakfast crepes made by Lance, some hot tub time, and more playing in the snow. We headed back to SLC that afternoon to gear up for our drive back to Vegas the next day.




















On Sunday morning we went to Sacrament meeting in our old Ward. We miss everyone there so much and wish we could have hung out with more of them longer. It was so nice to see the familiar faces. The Pearce's were back in town visiting like us which was neat. Then we hit the road back to Vegas. This time we had Lance with us which really does make it better.

It is strange to see things moving on in Salt Lake without us. It makes us feel time warped in a way. But in some ways it helps with the transition as well. I won't be missing driving in the snow over the next few months, but I will miss watching it fall outside our house window when we are warm and cozy inside.