Our Trip to Utah (12/26-12/31)
We left at about 6:15 AM when it was still dark the day after Christmas. We got our first view of snow covered trees just before the sun came up. I always love the way the world looks with a fresh layer of snow:
The drive was long and the snowy, icy roads made it even longer. It took us 18 1/2 hours to drive from our home in Washington to my in-law’s house in Orem, Utah. Thomas was not a fan of all the changes in elevation that made his ears feel clogged:
Ila tried to help him by passing him snacks throughout the drive:
Isaac’s favorite toy at Grandma and Grandpa’s house:
Watching My Little Pony and eating Licorice:
Thomas and Aunt Laresa:
New Friends for the kids (Evan, Maggie, and Lucy):
Thomas playing with one of Grandma’s homemade toys:
Aunt Heidi trying to encourage Ila to try some orange slices:
Nicole playing Tic, Tac, Toe with Grandma:
Ila ate a lot of apples:
but she left the peels behind:
Stories with Grandma:
Ila went with Aunt Heidi, Aunt Laresa, and Grandma to pick out yarn or a special blanket from Heidi:
Temple square with Aunt Heidi:
Charlotte and Grandpa:
Presents from Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Heidi, Aunt Laresa, and Aunt Bethani and Uncle Dan:
Bethani and Dan participated via Google Hangout:
Matching PJs with sparkly skirts:
Grandma taught Isaac how to play Nerts and dominos:
Thomas took his first steps. Prior to this video, he took several single unassisted steps before leaning forward and falling into my arms. Zach was able to capture him taking a few steps:We celebrated Zach’s birthday a day early with sandwiches, Zach’s favorite roasted red pepper cheese dip, pumpkin pie, and a chocolate fountain:
Aunt Heidi and Ila:
Grandpa and Ila:
Grandma and Ila:
Homeward bound. Check out the super cute dolls made by Aunt Laresa and Aunt Heidi:
Luckily the trip home was much shorter. We let around 6AM (MST) and arrived home at 7:30 (PST) = 14 1/2 hours