Sledding at Utah State

 After we fed the elk and were all bundled up we decided we would try and find a hill to sled on.  There hasn't been any new snow for a while and the snow was actually melting away, but we were able to find a big hill right on the campus of Utah State that was packed down and ready for some good sledding.  It was very icy and hard, but it made for fast tubing and sledding.  The kids, and even the adults, had a great time going over and over, until we were so cold we had to pack up!

I think we were successful in making sure the Draper's were very cold, but also that they had a great time in the winter wonderland of Utah.  It was SO good to see them and to spend time with them.  The kids had a lot of fun together.  It was so fun to have them together again.  Some friends you don't get to see very often, but when you do, it's like they've been there all the time.  That's what is so fun about good friends.  Thanks for coming out Drapers...next time we'll play in the sun and sand, ok?

Hardware Ranch

 We wanted to find some unique things to do during our "play" day with the Drapers.  So we decided to bundle up and head up the canyon to the DWR Hardware Ranch where the operate a winter feeding program for the elk herds of Cache County National Forrest.  They feed the elk quality hay feed throughout the winter to keep the elk from wandering down the canyon and closer to the population of Logan.  It keeps the elk safe and they also able to observe and monitor the activities of the herd.  It was pretty interesting!

 We were loaded on to a wagon and pulled out by a beautiful team of draft horses to the meadow where the elk are feeding.  The guide was very informative and told us about the herd and some of the things they have learned through the program.  80% of the cows are pregnant and have a baby every year.  The baby's nurse well into the next pregnancy and so the feed program is very helpful in maintaining a healthy herd.   We were able to hear some of the babies whine for their mommas while we were there.  It was the cutest thing!

 The herd is free to come and go as they please, but the program has been running for over 50 years, so they know to come to the meadow each winter to feed.  It's passed on from generation to generation.  You could tell some of the elk were used to the wagons coming right up to them and the younger ones were much more nervous about these human invaders.

I think the kids really enjoyed it and it was pretty informative at the same time.  It was a neat experience!

Enduring Friendships

 One of the best things about being back in Utah is that we can see many friends as well as family because people either come through the area or are friends still in the area.  We have especially enjoyed meeting up with a group of friends from Dave's high school days that still live relatively close.  We have had a few game nights, a day at the park, and have especially enjoyed sleepovers in Midway thanks to the Grass family.  We're quite a group now, with all of us having 3 or more kids!

Our lovely hosts, the Grass family and their kids.  Thanks for the invite...it was a blast!

 Professor Lundburg and his three youngest!  We missed Mel and the girls at the tubing hill, but they had a bridal shower to host!  Glad they came up for the night!

 The Miller family.  They spent a few years away from Utah as well, so it's nice to have us all living here in the state!

And our family (minus Austin...who had to work).  We had a blast on the tubing hill.  Once you're spoiled by the tow line it makes real sledding seem like such a chore.  We had some crazy fun!

Visiting Temple Square and Drapers

 We were able to meet up with one of our favorite families...The Drapers...at Temple Square.  We were so excited to see them, but we were also excited to bring them some snow clothes so they wouldn't freeze here in Utah.  They are from south, south Texas and so this frigid weather was more than they are used to.  They had layers and layers of clothes, but I think they were still cold...(ok, I was cold too, so it isn't just Texas people cold!)

Anyways, our hearts were warmed by seeing our friends...especially Evan being able to see Trevan.  Those two are such cute friends and still live by the motto that "Evan and Trevan are better than heaven!"  I see these two being room mates at college some day and lifelong friends no matter where their paths go!

There were a lot of friends and family meeting up there with the Draper, so we also got to go around with our two youngest and explore Temple Square again.  It's been a few years and McKinley didn't remember much about being there, so it was a neat experience. 

Christmas 2013

We had a great Christmas again this year.  We were able to visit with a lot of our family and a few of our friends too!  We started out Christmas Eve by decorating giant ginger bread men for Santa!!  I bet he was stuffed when he left our house that night!

 

We finished off Christmas Eve with breakfast for dinner at Nana and Grandads and the traditional Christmas pajamas and reading the nativity story before heading to bed to make way for Santa Claus!

 

First thing Christmas morning the kids were wide awake and ready to see their presents from Santa.  Then we had a quick breakfast and opened our presents from each other.

 

Even Oscar enjoyed being involved in the presents opening.  He loves boxes and paper and getting in small places.  He's such a nut!

 

After our presents we were able to go next door to visit with Nana and Grandad and some family members gathered there.  We were there to surprise Nana with a trip to Hawaii for her and Grandad's 50th wedding anniversary this April.  It was SUPER fun to watch as she figured out the gift we were giving her and that we will all be traveling to Hawaii in April for a big celebration.

 

And after that we were able to host Christmas dinner at our house for my side of the family.  We had a ham, leg of lamb, roasted veggies and asparagus.  Yum.  We had razzleberry pie with ice cream and pecan chocolate for dessert. It was lovely!

 

It was a busy day, but so much fun to see everyone and spend time together.  We celebrated together and enjoyed visiting and being together.  Lots of smiles, lot of fun!  Merry Christmas to everyone!

Christmas 2013

This photo collage created with Smilebox

Grandma Pearson's Christmas Party 2013

Tonight was the annual Grandma Pearson Christmas party and we were so glad that we were able to attend.  For many years we lived out of state and missed the family parties and get togethers that are some of the best parts of Christmas.  But now that we live here we get to go!

The children's nativity is always highlight of the night.  All the children who want to are involved in the reenactment of the birth of the Savior.  This year, none of my kids wanted to be in the play, but plenty of cousins did.  It's always so cute!

After the nativity there is always a bag of presents from Santa.  Each child receives a present and it's a lot of fun.  Everyone was happy with their gifts this year and had fun catching up with cousins and friends and family!