Visit to Utah after Christmas

The day after Christmas we packed up and drove out to Utah. We spent a week with the Hales (my family) and then a week in Park City with the Bell's skiing.

 The kids got a kick out of the game Pie Face.

 Lincoln ended up deciding that he liked uncle Joe.

 Jane read lots of books with Grandma (her favorite thing to do).

 And there was TONS of snow, so the kids made a little cave.

 Jane had so much fun playing with Peyton, doing makeup and dressing up.

 Lincoln didn't warm up to everyone until the last day or so, of course. Rob and I were able to slip away for a date to Kneader's and Costco.

 I had lots of good times with this pretty sister of mine, Melissa and got to see her cute baby bump.  She's due in July.

 Lincoln was uncle Tom's buddy.

 For New Year's Eve, I put together some games for the kids to play-the candy bar game and bingo.

 Jane and Ollie were buddies and played together so well.

 Uncle Luke might have been Lincoln's favorite because he pushed him on the scooter while on his hover board. :)

 Lincoln loves wearing princess shoes because they make a loud "click" while walking on hard surfaces. :)

 For some reason, Lincoln thought it was the greatest thing walking around the table with Luke this night.

 Grandma read a few last books and then we headed out to Park City.

 Grandpa Bell played lots with the kids.

 We went skiing with the kids one day. Poor Blake hurt his knee on one of his falls.

 Lots of cousin time.

 And there was lots of snow to play in!

 Lincoln decided he really liked cousin Kjerstin.

So much fun! I did some outlet shopping while there and got to go skiing twice. Rob got me a new, cute ski outfit too! I know it is a good one because I put it to the test on a morning that was -2 degrees when I went skiing and I stayed warm!

Christmas Day

The kids woke up bright and early as usual on Christmas morning.  But we did something a little different this time. I had each of them open one gift while the others watched. It prolonged it a little bit and made the gifts more meaningful. Then we had a rushed breakfast and ran off to 9 am church. I played two songs in sacrament meeting-one on my violin and one as an accompaniment to a group of singers. Oh, and we woke up to snow on Christmas morning! 

The kids got two of the little go-carts from Grandpa and Grandma Bell. Lincoln thought one was just for him. :)

I think everyone was super happy with what they got. After church I made some rolls, crockpot brown sugar carrots and we headed off to dinner later to some friends from our ward house.

I always hate to see Christmas go. I love the season of giving where everyone is more patient and cheerful and kind. December always flies by!

Christmas Eve

On Christmas Eve we woke up and made cookies for Santa. Then we went to lunch together at BJ's and then to an afternoon showing of Moana. We all loved it. Then we came home and opened gifts from each other.

Everyone was so happy with what they received. The kids wanted to draw names and exchange between themselves, so they saved up their money and purchased the gifts themselves.

Rob got me an earring organizer with a bunch of earrings and I got him a Lego train set. Natalie got a jewelry box, Blake got a compass, binoculars and treasure map, Jane got a play makeup set, and Lincoln got a tall car track.