New Years Trip

We had people renting out our basement over New Years, so we decided to do our trip up north during that time.  We had renters leave the 30th and more coming later that day, so Jer and I quickly cleaned and then we headed out of town.  We had both checked the weather and it seemed good, but we hit bad weather for most of the drive.  I get so nervous driving in snowy weather.  It wasn't actually snowing that much, but it was really cold so the roads were icy and slick.  We were in our rental, since our van had gotten hit on just our last trip so I was extra nervous.  I tried to stay calm, but I was pretty tense.  A car in front of us started to fish tail at one point and we were sure he was going to start spinning out of control.  Then the car behind us couldn't slow down for him because of the ice and started sliding up on the left side of us in the median.  I was sure we were going to get hit.  Surprisingly everyone got under control and we made it to Salt Lake.

Jer and I had a good chuckle when we saw that Prentice had packed her huge new toiletries in her suitcase she got for Christmas.  Packing for 6 people can be a little tight, but I guess Prentice knows whats important to have on vacations.

We had to get a few last minute gifts for Jer's family at Cabelas.  And Jer was excited to get some ammo for his new gun.  I looked over in the cart and Cardon was rubbing Chambers back and Chambers was so relaxed and loving it.  Cardon is so affectionate and sweet sometimes.

I may have to come back and add the pictures I took with Jer's phone of the kids sledding with cousins when I pull them off his phone.  For some reason I was really excited to do a trail run to Mount Olympus.  Jer forgot his running shoes, so just my brother and I went.  It was fun to be able to do something that we have both really enjoy.  But I have to say it was very cold, like in the low 20's.  When I started running I was so cold I felt like I couldn't breath.  I wasn't sure if I could do it, but once I warmed up and got my breathing under control it was great.  Hard but great.  Such a great rush to gain so much elevation in such a short time.  I made it to the stream and then turned around and met my brother after a while.  I knew he was fast on the downhill so I tried to pick up my pace.  But like usual he beat me to the bottom.  I have never done a trail run in snow so it was really fun to be able to do that.  Although neither one of us were too anxious to do it the next day because of the cold.  I tried to get Anton to stop for a selfie with me close to the bottom, but I could only get him to take one of me.

New Years Eve we had a great time eating the "Pie" pizza and playing games with Anton, Liz, and some friends of theirs.  I actually stayed awake until midnight which hasn't happened for a long time.

We spent Saturday with Jer's family and took his mom bowling with us.  It wasn't cheap for us all to go but it was a lot of fun.  Hopefully we can do it again soon.

We also got all bundled up and Jer pulled the kids around on a sled behind the rhino.  They had a great time.

Prentice must have stole my phone at some point because I found these selfies of her and her cousin Lilly.  Silly girls.

The kids also got to go ice skating, which they have never done before.  I wish I could have gone but our keys got locked in our car just as we were loading up to go.  I felt bad I didn't get to see them skate but Liz was kind enough to take Truman and Prentice while we got our car opened.  It was a great trip, despite it being cold for my liking.  It was a good balance of fun activities, relaxing time, and family time.  We also got to take Truman to "Star Wars" the movie which was nice to be able to just spend some time with him.

Chilly Family Home Evening

I didn't even ask questions when Jer said he would be in charge of family home evening a few weeks ago.  We headed to Dixie Rock and Jer was prepared to make a fire and cook some treats.  Then he talked to the kids a little about the new year coming up and about always doing their best.  It is so nice when I don't have to worry about things like this every once in a while.  Even Truman and Tacy have gotten into planning family home evening lately.  

We definitely had to talk about fire safety and the kids seemed to be showing off a little too much since my sister and her boyfriend came with us.  They even did a little night time exploring after the fire got going.

 
Jer had me spread nutella on tortillas and then wrap them up with a banana.  He wrapped them in foil and then cooked them over the fire.  It appreciate that Jer makes an effort to help me out sometimes.  I felt grateful to be there with my family making memories.

Hopefully my kids remember the weeks we had family home evening and not the ones it just didn't happen!  Last night Prentice put together a fun little scavenger hunt and talked about things we could be doing this new year to be better people.  Then we played a fun little game called "heads up."  Something simple but a fun time together.

Christmas...and a million pictures

This year we gave the kids fewer gifts from Santa and a few from us.  The skateboard was a gift from Jer and I and it was a good one to not be from us since Prentice saw it in the back of the truck.  In an effort to help them be more grateful, they only chose 5 things to put on their Christmas lists this year.  So they really had to think about what they truly wanted and not put everything they could think of on it.  They did end up getting more than just the 5 things on their list, but we did give them less than in past years and hopefully they appreciate my thought process.  They did seem really happy with everything!  And it was fun to be in our new home to celebrate the holiday.  It definitely made it feel more like home.

Jer made sweet and savory crepes for breakfast.   They were delicious.  I think the kids were most excited about the chocolate milk!

Jer taking a break to show off his "guns."

The remains of Jer's old pillowcase.

The jelly bean present was a big success.  There are two jelly beans with the same color, one is a good taste and one is a disgusting one. And I don't feel one bit bad I didn't participate.  Monique was awesome.  My Grandpa just sat to the side and laughed at everyone.  Cardon did offer him one.  My mom went around and blew her skunk breath on everyone

After jelly beans Grandpa and Cardon had a Nerf gun fight.

Everyone relaxed for a while until I made Jer hand pictures on Christmas Day!  I told him it was part of my Christmas gift.  I think he knew he was better off to just do it to keep me sane.  It's no secret that sometimes I have a hard time sitting still.  My task list is always on my mind.  Even on Christmas apparently!  Merry Christmas!