Quick Utah Get-Away

I had the chance to escape to Utah for a few days to visit my sister and her family last week.  I had a really big adventure getting there...but once I finally made it, it was well worth all the trouble!

I was supposed to leave on Monday night...but then a huge snowstorm hit, and I couldn't get out until the next afternoon.

And then I made it to Denver, only to get stuck there for the night!  By the time my sister picked me up on Wednesday morning, I was so thankful to see her and be done with flying!!!
I took a selfie with my nieces Skye and Haven to celebrate me finally arriving.  They had been so patient!  I think they thought I was never really going to come!

My sister had a baby in September but this was the first opportunity I had to come and see her and her clan.  We had so much fun.  I loved seeing their daily life and routine and just spending time together. I think the only time Mel and I stopped talking was for the few hours we slept each night.  Otherwise, it was non stop visiting!!!!

This is my oldest niece Maya.  She has grown into such a delightful little lady, and I am so proud of her!

Here we are back in 2005!  Love her!

And now the same pose with new baby Tyce who is so adorable!

We had a great few days together...and I loved having time to spend with my dear Mellie.  I miss her so much and living far apart for these years and years has been so hard.  It was so fun to have time to reminisce and catch up.  And of course, do some shopping.  I always rely on my sisters for fashion sense!  I am so proud of this girl.  She is an amazing wife, mother, and woman.  I always learn so much from her.

My niece Skye is such an artist, and we spent hours crafting together.  She is so fun and kept me laughing the whole time.

I could not get enough of this face.

The weather was amazingly nice for a Utah winter..and I loved the mountain views.

And look at this little miss...she is something else!  So cute and keeps everyone on their toes!

On Friday night, we were able to meet my brother Chris and his family for dinner.  It was so great to see them all, and we had a wonderful time.  They are such an awesome family.  Of course, we were really missing Katy and family.  Our time together was short, so I am really hoping to see more of the Andersons in 2015.

Although I really missed my family (thanks to Snarr for being dad of the year and taking on the five for the week!), leaving these kind of trips is always so hard.  It feels cruel to spend a little time together and then be a part again, but I was so thankful for the opportunity and it is always great to return to Utah.  In many ways, I will always be a Utah girl at heart!  Thanks Walker family for an excellent trip.

Welcome 2015!!!

Wow!  It is 2015!  I love a New Year and a fresh start.  On New Years Eve, we headed down to Des Moines to visit some good friends.  We were so excited to see them again.  The Hamiltons have been our friends for many years, and we have kept in touch through lots of moves and changes...and now that they are back in the country, we could not pass up the chance to spend some time together.  It is wonderful to have friends who love you, understand you and accept you for who your crazy family can be!  We always have a really good time.  We are so grateful for their friendship.

The Hamiltons have a great New Years Eve tradition of fondue...it was a big hit, especially the chocolate dessert part.  Thanks to Laura for the great pics!  It was so delicious!  I think it is a tradition we may have to "borrow"!

A few of us made it to midnight to officially ring in the New Year!  Napoleon Dynamite helped keep us awake!

I made a few goals and resolutions for the New Year, but mostly we are just looking forward to another great year.  Welcome 2015!!!

Merry Christmas!

Christmas morning is magical!  Everyone actually slept in a little bit and Tod and I were the first ones up!

Such anticipation!

Lots of gifts given with lots and lots of love!!  I am so happy when I can capture a few of the excited, surprised expressions.

Baby Luke slept in and by the time he got up, we were so excited to help him with his gifts.

We had a nice breakfast together and by that time, Cole was not feeling great and Tod had joined the ranks of the sick people...so we had a very quiet, relaxing rest of the day.  We played with new toys and built lots of legos.  We were a little disappointed to cancel our Christmas get together but those of us who were well enjoyed a yummy dinner at our neighbor's house.  So happy to share some time with them.  It actually worked out really well.  We also really loved being able to face time several family members...it made missing them so much just a little easier.
All in all it was a very Merry Christmas...different than we had expected, but still such a good day spent together.  Any day spent together is a good day!

Merry Christmas 2014!
And just for the record, here was our Christmas card photo this year- taken at the Missouri farm over Thanksgiving.