We also had a nice surprise in the mail...we got a $200 gas card and some gift cards for some fast food places from "Santa"! The card said simply "Enjoy your holiday travels!" For some reason, I knew right away it was my sister and her husband. When I told her "thanks!" she was bewildered and wasn't sure how I knew, because she was sneaky. She printed everything out, including recipient, and didn't put a return address on it. So that was so sweet of them! I love them so much, they are so kind and good and we're so lucky to have them!
On Saturday afternoon, we made it to Idaho Falls, where our BFF's, the Millers, now live. It was so great to see them! I miss talking to Calena in person so much, and getting our kids together to play. They had such a fun time together! And the babies were cute, though I didn't snap any pictures of them together. Calena got some good ones, I'll have to steal some of those from her. Dennis cooked out on their BBQ even in the freezing weather, and Calena made some awesome sides. We had fun talking and catching up, and the kids had a fun sleepover. They're just awesome and we're glad they're on the way to home and back, makes it convenient! (:
We had our surprise 60th birthday party for Sue, my mother-in-law on Sunday afternoon when we got there. See the post "Happy Birthday, you old crow Sue!" We do love her so much! It was a huge success and I think she had a happy birthday!
After the party wrapped up, we were so excited to get to see Grandma Di and Grandpa Scott! We didn't tell them we were coming over that night, either, so my Mom was a little surprised to see us at the door! For the last few years my Mom has always had a little stocking on the tree for Emma and has put a little prize in it for her everytime we come. This year, she made personalized mini stockings to put on her tree for all of the grandkids. Everytime we went over to visit, she had some playdough, a little homeade treat, toy or gum in the stocking. The kids thought that was great, and the stockings were adorable! It was so good to see my mom and dad again, and they were so happy to see the grandkids. They often get emotional when talking to them because they miss them so bad. So it was good to be together again for a while!
The kids coloring with Grandma. She's such a great Grandma!
We got together with the cousins as much as we could, when we or they weren't sick. Emma and Tayla just have a ball together! They crack me up!
Callahan and Kaison love playing as well! They gave Cal this firetruck for his birthday, and Kaison got a police car. They drove these things all day! It was good to keep these two busy, otherwise they're getting into something they shouldn't be in. Cal's favorite line when Kaison is arond - "but Kaison does it!" Ha ha!
It was fun to watch the babies interact. They're the closest in age, less than one month apart. Lucy kept stealing Kaison's binky and putting it in her mouth. They loved crawling around and playing side by side. Em and Cal were fascinated that Brody is standing up by himself and walking! I was, too! The kids are all so cute together and it's so much fun they all have a buddy to play with!
One day, we went up to Ogden for a Christmas party with our old friends at the church. It was so good to see everyone again. My old neighbors and friends there are just jewels, I love them all! Cal and Ana ran to each other in the parking lot and gave each other a big hug, they were so excited!
Emma was also so happy to see her old playmates - Elisha and Oakley!
We did a "snowball" fight with giant cotton balls. It was a riot to watch.
Lucy and Ewan playing together!
Getting supplies to make crafts.
Sitting in a circle, playing games.
Group shot!
After the party, we went to Hlee's house. Hlee is so awesome! She was my neighbor a few doors down and we'd always be back and forth. She is one of the best people I know and we had fun talking all afternoon and letting the kids play, just like the old days.
We went to Amy's house one night. We had a yummy dinner (Am's an amazing cook), and then she gave the kids all haircuts. She's so super talented in so many ways!
Emma told me right before we left "I just want to see Mamy!" And she got to do just that. It was great spending time with her and Kolb. We watched some of the Jazz game as well. Go Jazz!!
We also went to Cabela's that night. The kids always love it, and Dave's been gun shopping, so he enjoyed that!
One night, we all went to the Dee for the Weber State v. University of Utah basketball game. Weber killed them by 30 points! It was awesome! We totally bleed purple! My dad is the only Ute, the rest of us are 'Cats!
Emma with Waldo! My Aunt Lois and Uncle Keith are super awesome and go to every WSU game. They have the hook-ups and got Waldo to come see Emma. She was delighted! "Weber State, Weber State, Great Great Great!"
Another night, we had a "Beverage Tasting Party" with the Ryerses. We went and picked out a bunch of random drinks and had a scale to rate them all. It was fun! Thanks, Jazzy, for the idea! It's like a wine tasty party, only no wine involved! Just fun drinks, non-alcoholic ones.
"Cheers!"
One was really bad and everyone was spitting that one out and dumping it down the sink! It was a fun thing to do!
Pulling Aunt Stacy around. We had fun playing games that night, too!
I also went and had lunch with good friends Jasmine and Katie. They're so sweet and I was so glad to see those bosom buddies, too! I'll do a separate post about Christmas Eve and Christmas! It was truly so nice to be home for the holidays, becaues "fot the holidays you can't beat home sweet home!"
