Christmas in Utah

We began our Christmas break with some fluffy eggnog cinnamon rolls and the cutest snowman chocolate milk you will ever see. We had the boys open s few presents at home because of the limited space we would have in the car. That night we picked up Matt from work and started our trek northward.  

Our first stop was my parents house to surround ourselves with lots of silly cousins and all my siblings. It's always a loud  crazy party when we are all together!

The drive up to Heber was whiter than expected but that's one of the best ways to see these Utah peaks.

Once we got to grandma field's there was not a new flake of snow to be found. We were able to find a few patches here and there and luckily we had enough to build a snowman and pelt mom, grandma, and poor ghost with snowballs. Grandma snuck in a few dirty throws but they were probably deserved. After a few snowballs to the face it was time to get the gingerbread house ready for a candy overload.  It turned out pretty good this year.

The boys were very anxious to take the "blue" motorcycle out for a ride. Porter was so excited but didn't realize that that bike is a tiny bit too big for his two year old body.  Dad rode with him, to his Dismay, even after repeatedly trying to convince us he was tall enough. Preston rode around and did great on it. He now wants one in his garage.

We went up to midway to go ice skating with grandma and the boys. Porter fell asleep on the drive over and refused to wake up. So, Kathleen and mom skated with Preston and we all had a fun time. Preston did so great and he would not give up. He kept saying he didn't need the training cart and say "I think I got the hang of this" but would quickly ask for it back when he was beginning to fall. I can't wait to do it again with him.

Porter enjoyed playing with the cars the most. I loved finding him down in the basement making car sounds and peacefully playing.

Besides riding the motorcycle Porter and Preston had some other business to take care of as soon as Papa- Pia came home. 1. Ride in the RZR and for Porter 2. Ride in the truck.  First Papa took Porter on a big truck ride.  He traveled around with papa and helped him finish up his Christmas purchases.  And as soon as they got back it was into the RZR.  For Christmas Eve the whole family came up and we enjoyed dinner together as a family while the kiddos fed ghost his Christmas feast.  The real entertainment began when the kids acted out the nativity and then some cousins shared some poems and songs. That little bunch are quite the entertainers.

Christmas morning.  I think the pictures say it all.

And just like that Christmas morning meant a beautiful blanket of white, fluffy snow. Preston could stay out in it forever, but poor Porter, it is just too cold for his Arkansas blood.  He was inside so quickly.

Trying to divide the time between two families is always the hardest thing when you live out of state. But somehow it all worked out.  I had things that I wanted to do while we were in town.  See my grandma Farnsworth who is currently dealing with severe Alzheimer's disease.  I knew I had to see her and just hug her and try and remember the grandma she was before this awful disease took her mind. I was not able to get a picture of my Grandma and I.  Hopefully another time. I also wanted to visit my grandpa whose health is also declining.  I had very loving grandparents that were at every major event in my life.  I am lucky to have them!  And even luckier that I can share them with my kids.

We went to my parents for some more family party time and later my dad took us sledding up in the mountains.  My dad would not have it any other way. Tromping through deep snow for the best spot.  And really it was AWESOME!  Porter was unhappy at first but after we took him down that first run, he was sold.  He didn't want to stop.  And Preston didn't want to leave.

Grandma decided that we needed to celebrate Porter's birthday with all of us around.  Look at that smile!!!  He LOVED it!

On our drive back home we stopped in Vegas to show the boys some fun things.  Like Bellagio Hotel Fountains and walked around the big fish tanks in Cesar's Palace.  We also enjoyed a little Bobby Flay Burgers since mom was in charge and found us some yummy Pinkberry frozen yogurt for dessert.  Yummy!