The Martin Family

Friday, February 01, 2013

Countdown to 6!

Here we are now into February and only 11 days until Kara's 6th birthday! January is finally over with and I could not be more thrilled because we probably got a grand total of 5 feet of snow throughout the month. I am SICK of snow. The only positive thing I can say about having so many snowstorms is that they cleared out the inversions which were very bad this year. At least 2 of the cities in Utah were on the list for the worst air quality in the United States -- Logan and Provo. The inversions were horrible and my poor Kara (who may or may not have asthma) had a very hard time breathing. So hopefully February will think that it's Spring and just be warm and sunny all month! *Fingers crossed!

Home Again, Home Again, and into 2013

Evens had to get back to work so he flew home and a few days later my dad drove me and the girls back to Utah. About 5 or 6 hours into the drive we hit snow (and since we were still in Southern Texas it was very unusual) and we literally had just made it through El Paso when they closed the Interstate behind us.

Ice on the windshield.

Snow in South Texas

Once we hit Moab the temperature was steadily dropping and once it hit -6 I told my dad to turn around. I was not ready to let go of the 60s and 70s I had been enjoying! But we finally made it home safe and sound and cold.
Since my dad had a few days to kill in the frozen tundra we took him to visit a new business that had opened up a few months ago. Perhaps you've heard of it? Scheels? If not, you should go. It's a cross between Cabela's and Dicks Sporting Goods and probably all the other sporting/hunting/everything-else-outdoorsy stores. It's pretty amazing and there are things for everyone to enjoy. For example, this is the first thing you see when you walk in:

Massive Ferris Wheel. Only $1 per person!

Not to mention all the fun photo ops:

and the food (I only took one picture of the gelato, but I had a really good panini and the girls' chicken strips were even delicious):

And of course the riding of the ferris wheel:

Can you see them?

Now that I have brought 2012 up to date I have to say that all-in-all 2012 was a great year. I have a feeling 2013 is going to be even better though!

Christmas

We only put up a few Christmas decorations since we would be spending the majority of the Christmas season in Texas. We put up our little tree (definitely did not want to go through all the work of putting up the big one!) and put out a few decorations so the girls could get into the spirit.

Finally it was time to drive to Texas! We packed up the rental car the night before and got the girls up early so we could start our 2-day drive. As soon as we got on the road we realized something was wrong: one of our front tires was really low. Evens stopped and filled it up but by the time we got on the freeway again it was losing air. We turned around and headed to the rental place and switched out cars. After a couple of hours we were finally ready to go! The first day we traveled more than 15 hours (we had to stop multiple times for Sophie who had to pee but refused every time she saw the bathroom facilities) and finally made to Las Cruces, NM where we stayed with Tanner for the night. The next day we slept in a little and were on the road again! We made it to my parents house at about 11 pm that night and we were exhausted!

Christmas Eve: