Our trip

was a busy one. We decided in the fall that we would spend Christmas in Idaho with Brandon's family. The last time we spent Christmas there we were telling everyone we were pregnant with Hannah.  The main reason though was so that Cole could have his uncles and Grandpa stand in on his ordination to the office (?) of a deacon.  My child turned 12.  I think I'm glad we were out of our element and I didn't have a whole lot of time to dwell, otherwise I would've been a drama queen.  This thankfully happened also when he had to get his 5 year old shots.  I just forgot and thank goodness it was sprung on both of us.  The time I took him to get his first shots ever I used the whole box of kleenex they have so handily in the little room there.  Fairly certain the doctor was sooo over it.

I digress...

So we left on the 18th.  Due to some scheduling snafoos. Cole and I traveled separately from Brandon, Laura and Hannah.

Cole and I arrived in SLC ten hours before the trio.  We were met by Susan, Scott, Julie, Scotty, Jane and Parley.  We went downtown and got lunch at a yummy pizza place and then went to the discovery play place.  Then went to the church history museum and parts of temple square...COLD, which was a common theme when I wasn't inside with a warm fire ;).  Then we went to eat at the red iguana, really hot salsa place that was featured on some show on the food network.  It was good, but I chose a mole and shouldn't have.  Anyways, the trio (Brandon, Laura and Hannah) were delayed so we went back to see the lights at temple square. Very pretty and still COLD!

Finally got the trio, and headed to SE Idaho.  That's more detail than the other days will get..

Here's some pics to help liven this up..

A summary of our favorites during the trip
Tastee Treet..this is the Dairy Queen type of eating place that Brandon's dad owned while he was growing up (his brother Steve now owns it).  Anytime we've asked what was the kids' favorite thing, this is on top.  We really love it there, maybe it's because it's so nostalgic...oh wait maybe only Brandon can use that as an excuse..? I do have 15 years of nostalgia credit!

Other fun things were

cousins (especially babies :) )
sledding
seeing old friends
Cole and Scotty's awesome bday party
horse drawn wagon ride to see a live nativity (COLD) with the largest/hottest fireplace ever..at the end, wonderful
game nights
the snow - soo beautiful!
seeing negative temps (although we think our car was lying)
Grandma's Christmas table set so beautifully
navajo tacos!!
feeling the love of everyone arranging their lives and schedules to be with us!

None of us really wanted to go home.  It was one of the hardest times to leave.  And as much as I've complained about the COLD, it was less than it times past and I realized it was livable.  It was a good time had by all!!

Here's a few snow/sledding pics, hope to add more...