Out and About

In review, we have done some fun things over the holidays. Here are some of the highlights, starting with the most recent. For New Year's we went to Hendersen and Las Vegas, NV to visit Leah, Dave, Ally and Chloe. The weather was such a nice break from the freezing temperatures we have been dealing with. We spent a lot of time outside. Leah took us to Lake Mead to feed the fish there. It was a lot of fun. They came in swarms to gobble up the popcorn. It was also a fun place to take pictures.

Ethan loved chasing the seagulls off of the dock.

We stopped by the strip on our way out of town, and once again, I swore I would never go there again. I hate the place with a passion. We hit the M&M factory and the water show, and then booked it out of there. I wish the place would burn....it probably will.

Kolby came with us, which made for non-stop entertainment for the kids. He is such a great uncle. He just got called to the Hong Kong, China mission. He leaves in March. We are so excited for him. China doesn't know what a great guy they are getting!

Enjoying the weather at Lake Mead. It was sweatshirt weather, but we loved soaking up the sun anyway.

The fish were hilarious. We had quite a laugh as they would come with their mouths wide open to suck up the popcorn. It was kind of gross, but really funny.

The kids loved swimming in the hot tub every night.

While in Vegas we also went to the Lied's Children's museum. The kids could have stayed there for a week and not been bored. We stayed until it closed, and they almost had to kick us out.

Here is Ethan in the "Hurricane Tunnel" The winds let you feel what it felt like to be in a hurricane. He thought it was pretty funny.

They spent a long time shopping in the fake store, and then restocking the shelves. If only they were that well behaved when they go to the real store with me :)

The bubbles were a big hit.

Abigail performing a monologue on stage

Before our Vegas trip, we stopped by Mt. Pleasant to see Aunt Suzie, Uncle Steve, and their kids, Audrey and Cameron who were in town visiting. It was Suzie's birthday, and we all went out to eat to celebrate. We don't see them enough!

And now for some Christmas pictures. Here are the kids at my Mom's house. We always read the Nativity story on Christmas Eve and let the kids dress up to act it out. Baby Dylon was the perfect Jesus. The kids thought she was so cute, that they crowded around her just like I imagine it was.

WAY too many presents!

Preston took the prize for the cutest wiseman ever to be.

On Christmas Eve morning we all went sledding, and had a blast! Who doesn't love flying down the hill into soft white fluff? The kids were fearless....well it took Ethan a little while....but they kept on going, and going, and going.

Emma and Madeline, my sweet nieces

Abigail is my most fearless child for sure. She couldn't get enough. She liked crashing the best, and laughed her head off every time.

How cute is my sister, Marisa? Her smile is so charming!

My mom even took a few runs...with no socks on! She is funny!

And just before Christmas Ethan celebrated his 7th birthday. We had an early birthday party for him at a bowling alley with some friends. Happy Birthday Ethan!

We also had the chance to meet my Dad and Tamara for dinner to celebrate Christmas in December. He showed up looking like Santa, and the kids were a little confused, but they let us take a picture in Santa's sleigh at Trolley Square. It was nice to see them. My dad is building a home down by St. George to escape this winter ugliness. Smart move!

My Dad is such a character....and his wife is a good sport :)