The kids and I flew out to Utah to spend several fun-filled days with family and friends. We timed the trip so we could celebrate "Grandma Utah's," as Luke calls my mom, birthday with her.
We flew in Thursday. Luke did a great job going through security. His favorite parts of the airport were the escalators and riding the train.
Looking out the train's window on our way to the terminal.
Our flight was delayed so we killed time by eating chicken nuggets and french fries. It worked out perfect, I didn't realize how hungry the kids were!
Emma was a very busy traveler, as proof in the blurry picture. :) She was happy and quite social with the other passengers. My biggest challenge was keeping her from "helping" Luke with whatever he was doing at the moment.
Luke was a good traveler and very low maintenance. Upon seeing Grandma at the airport, Luke proudly announced, "Hi Grandma! I'm baaaaack!" How I wished I had that on video.
Within 2 minutes after arriving at my parents' home, Luke was requesting the train. Luke has talked and talked and talked about this train since our last visit. My dad took Luke right downstairs and set it up with him. Luke was in heaven.
I headed to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert that same night with my parents and Bryan's brother, Rick. I tried unsuccessfully to obtain tickets for the concert and a week before I was flying out Rick called and asked if I would want to use the tickets. Uhhh...YES! This makes 2 years in a row that he's given us great tickets. Thanks to Tom and Staci for watching Luke and Emma that night. It was easy to feel more in the true Christmas spirit after this concert.
Friday we ran a few errands in the morning and visited Grandma Munns. Such a blessing to be able to visit with her. (I forgot the camera on this visit, so I snapped this picture on Sunday. Luke managing to pull off another super natural smile. :)
Friday night I drove down to Salt Lake City with the kids to meet up with Darci and her family. She was staying in a hotel in Salt Lake with her fam so it worked out great.
Temple square lights. Poor Emma, she couldn't move her arms (or legs). Needless to say, she was warm.
Love this Darci girl!
Luke and Randli are only a few months apart. They had a great time playing together that night.
After the seeing the lights and some dinner we headed to the hotel's pool to top off the night with some swimming.
It was such a fun night that I didn't end up leaving until way after the kids' bedtimes! Love being able to catch up with great friends.
Saturday was "Grandma Utah's" birthday and it was action-packed! Lots of aunts, uncles and cousins came to make the traditional Graham cracker houses.
I helped Luke make a sled to accompany his graham cracker house. He made sure that there was a 2nd bear (Charlie) that rode the sled with him, "like at Thanksgiving".
Sunday we went to church. Luke went up with the primary kids to "sing" a song. I was shocked. After, we had a nice family dinner and played some games.
This game is hilarious and great for a lot of ages.
Monday I met up with Mindi for a lunch date at Zupas. I'm still thinking I should open one of those restaurants in Castle Rock. YUM! That night we went to see the Christmas Villages and lights at Willard Bay.
Luke helped Grandpa navigate through the lights.
Luke's favorite was the sled carrying the 3 blind mice that crashed (no pic). He loved those action lights, as in, he was belly laughing.
We flew out Tuesday morning. We had such a great time. Here a few outtakes of the trip.
Emma felt like she was queen in this red chair.
Playing telephone with Uncle Dave.
I went out for yogurt one night with a friend. Uh, 'Cheddar Vegetable' yogurt? No thanks.
One of my favorite treats. My dad makes buttered, butter and extra salt popcorn. My fingers feel slippery just typing this.
Until the next trip...
