Christmas Eve 2011

We went to Nanny's (great grandma Abbie) house on Christmas Eve for a wonderful dinner and time with family.

Andy, Kim (Andy's mom), Ralph and Dottie (Robin's parents)

Uncle Jim, Cousin Grace, Aunt Robin

Uncle Rick

Whitney (Andy's sister), Cousin Claire, Great Grandma Abbie (Nanny)

looking through her new purse from Nanny

Winter Solstice Parade

We read about this parade in the Park City newspaper. We hadn't been there before so really didn't know what to expect. Having been to many other Park City parades, however, we expected something pretty big with lots of people. We got to Main Street a little early so we decided to enjoy a tasty hot chocolate from Cows. Then we walked down and back up Main Street, not seeing anything resembling a parade. Darn...we thought we missed it, but wait...then we heard sirens. In total, I think there were 7 vehicles (including the cop car) in the parade. It was still a blast to be out in the cold with many other Parkites. That is small town life, for sure!

Grandpa Rich Comes To Visit!

Grandpa Rich flew to Utah to spend some time with us. We had a really nice visit: walks every day, Zoo Lights, Ikea (Dad's first time), In and Out Burger (Dad's first time), dinner with Andy's family, opening presents, filling up Emma's bank, and just hanging out.

**On a side note: I saw Hugh Laurie (Dr. House) at Whole Foods last week!

Zoo Lights

Jen and I took the girls to Zoo Lights at the Hogle Zoo. It was a bit chilly but still fun to see all of the fun lights.

Avila is about 7 months old and Emma just loves her!

Avila was all smiles for the camera. Emma...not so much.

Snow"Ball"

Our staff Christmas party had the prom theme this year. While most couples chose to go the more modern route, Andy and I chose to be a bit different.

Margery (librarian), Julie (2nd grade), Tina (2nd grade)

all the ladies...

Renee's date was a "hot stud."

Gobble, Gobble 2011

We had a fantastic Thanksgiving! We have so much to be thankful for and there is no better way to spend the day than with family and friends. We started out the beautiful day with a snowshoe. It made us feel a little better about the big meal we would be eating later. Later in the afternoon, we headed over to Uncle Jim and Aunt Robin's for wonderful company and the big feast.

Emma helped me make the green bean casserole.

This is Emma's placemat she made at school.

Mmmmm...the pies

sweet potato souffles

poor bird

Emma, probably engaged in some deep conversation.

wild rice stuffing and, of course, mashed potatoes

3-mushroom stuffing

our contribution: green bean casserole

having a conversation with Great Grandma Abbie

having fun with Dawn

We hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, too.

Bag Girl, Breakfast Girl

Is liking bags and cold cereal hereditary?

She's An Outdoors Girl!

Emma loves to be outside, even in the snow and cold.

This is Emma's shovel for now. We'll get her a bigger one soon. We do get a lot of snow and we need all the help we can get to shovel our decks.

Halloween 2011

It was a"moo"sing to watch Emma this Halloween. Not only did she look as cute as a bug's ear in her cow costume, but it was her first time trick-or-treating. Even though we didn't let her have any of the candy, she still enjoyed herself.

We didn't get many of her face, but she still looks pretty cute.

trick-or-treating with Kyler

sharing her candy with Grandpa

Zion National Park

Last week was our Fall Break so we had Thursday and Friday off from school. We packed up the car and made the 5-hour trip south to Zion National Park. It was bea-uuuuu-ti-ful! The weather could not have been better, either--sunny and 80 degrees. Even though we took a lot of pictures, they just don't do it justice. What a spectacular place!

On our way to the hotel, we stopped and did a 1-mile hike at the north entrance of Zion National Park.

There were mule deer all over.

The Narrows hike...

feeling the wet (weeping) rock...

Only a part of the hike was on land. We crossed the Virgin River about 5 times before it got too deep for us.

This was where the hike got a little too deep. We watched a few people go ahead and it was above their waists.

After crossing the river a few times, your legs were so cold you really couldn't feel much anymore.

Andy and Emma crossing the river.

The colors were so vibrant!

Yay! Josh and Dawn made the trip with us (even after 6 days in a car driving down from Alaska).

Emma likes to take pictures.

This is what 2 bike rides and 2 hikes in one day will do to a little girl.