Christmas in Utah

Ethan has been asking to go back to Utah to see his grandparents for a long time so we were happy that we could make it work for Christmas this year.  He was also hopefully for lots of snow and he got his wish.  The kids and I flew out to Utah on Christmas morning.  I can't say I ever look forward to flying with kids by myself but they were both really good and it was so nice to have a non-stop flight.  We got there in time to have Christmas dinner with the family.  Abe flew in on Tuesday so the kids and I went to Salt Lake to pick him up from the airport and decided to swing by Temple Square.  The lights were absolutely beautiful but we just didn't account for how cold it was going to be once the sun went down.  Our little Texans didn't last long in the bitter cold.

 We also made another trip to the Dinosaur Museum at Thanksgiving Point.  Ethan remembered how much he had liked it the last time we were there two years ago and he requested another visit.

But the highlight of the trip for the kids had to be the snow.  Although we had seen a lot of snow in Virginia the kids really didn't remember it and were so excited.  I had to break down and buy them some snow pants but after that they were ready to hit the snow many times during the day.  I couldn't believe that it snowed about 6 of the 7 days we were there so there was never a lack of snow.

 The kids may never try "real" sledding after being pulled around on the 4 wheeler through the snow.  I'll have to admit that it was a pretty fun ride.

 Ethan got him wish of a snowman and a snowball fight even though he was warned over and over again that Utah snow isn't that good for snowballs.

 Taylor was a big fan of eating the snow.  I told her that it wasn't a good idea and she explained that she knew not to eat the yellow snow.  She wouldn't say who gave her that little nugget of wisdom.

 Ethan, Abe and I had a fun time going snowboarding/skiing one day.  We went to an inexpensive place that some friends told us about and it was perfect for Ethan's first time.  He did the ski school for a couple of hours and was thrilled with all he had learned. He was quite sure that he was ready for the big hills but thankfully we talked him out of it.  I think the ski instructors must have the patience of a saint because I know that most times we saw Ethan when we were on the lift he was laying down in the snow having someone pull him up.

We somehow managed to lose our other camera that had pictures while we were out skiing and pictures of our family but I'm still hopeful that we will find it someplace weird one of these days.  We did swing by Great Grandpa Andrus' house several times while we were in town and Ethan thought it was the coolest place ever.  He has a small museum in his basement and Ethan loved looking (and touching) all the old stuff.  Taylor is now hoping to get a typewriter for her birthday after seeing one at Great Grandpa's house.

We felt very lucky to get to spend so much quality time with our family that week and we are so grateful for all their time with the kids and letting me borrow all their snowgear :)  We can't wait to do it again some time, but I vote for when its warmer.