Family Fun in Utah & Idaho!

Before Christmas we traveled to Utah to visit my Mom, Stepdad, sisters and their families. On the night we arrived, we saw my mom's side of the family, who I haven't seen in a long time. My Grandma Angelbuer and Brendan really hit it off :).








The next day we drove into Idaho, where we rented a 30 person cabin in the mountains. It was so beautiful! Beautiful mountains and glorious snow!




























The cabin was very homey and roomy. There were 14 adults and 10 children! All the kids got along wonderfully, despite the fact there was a fair bit of crying. Let me tell you, this is one beautiful bunch of kids. ( I don't have to tell you, just check out the pics!)































We went sledding! It was so much fun, I haven't been sledding in years. We went sledding in the near by National Forest and next door to the cabin. We also did some turbo-sledding--a tobggan roped to the back of a pick-up! Don't worry, we were safe.


















We had a delicious holiday meal. Afterward, the kids put on a Christmas program-- an adorable nativity. Garrett slept through it, though :). Then we opened our stockings. Yes, everyone had a stocking. My very crafty mom, with the help of Stu (my stepdad), put together all the stockings.

The adults played games, including the Newlywed game . We didn't when the Newlywed game, but we were pretty right on.





























We all had a great time! It was awesome to see everyone together-- quite a feat to pull off. We hope to have many future family trips, if the stars align in our favor :).
























































The cast of characters present at the cabin include Kim, my mom and Stu, my stepdad. Also my stepsisters Natasha (Corey, her husband and their four girls, Mandy, Abby, Grace, and Anna), Katie (James, her husband, and their two boys, Tristan and Avery), and Sierra (and her husband, Chad). My sisters Michelle (Aaron, her husband, and their three kids, Kent, Evelyn, and Oliver) and Nicole (and her husband Frank). Did you get all that? Whew. We're a big family!

Before we flew out, we went to Temple Square, downtown SLC, with my mom. There were thousands of Christmas lights and many beautiful nativities from around the world. It was so beautiful!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Garrett and I went to Oklahoma for Thanksgiving. We stayed with Grandpa Roger and Grandma Gayla; Garrett loved playing with his grandparents. On Thanksgiving Day, 21 family and friends gathered to enjoyed my Dad's delicious cooking (Gayla and Aunt Lisa, too). The food was sooo good!

( Cousins Megan, Levi, Maya, Lucas, Garrett, Colton, and Austin)






(sweet and mischievous)





And with six little kids, things got interesting. Garrett loved playing with his little cousins: Levi and Lucas (both a little bit older than him), Austin (4), Colton (7), Maya (7). It was so much fun seeing the littlest ones all together; they were very sweet to one another.






(Megan looking really pretty with Lucas)




(Two pretty girls: Maya and Baby Grace)



On Saturday, we drove to Texas to see my Grandma DeHart, Uncle Bob, and Cousin Kellie. We had lunch at Red Lobster. It was a short but sweet visit.

(Grandma DeHart, Gayla, Alexis, Garrett, and Kellie)

(Grandma Bennett, G, Cousin Kevin)


(Grandpa Bennett, Levi, Austin)














(Sleepy Time for Grandpa B and Lucas)

On Sunday, Garrett enjoyed lots of undivided attention and playtime with Grandma Gayla and Grandpa Roger. He thought Grandpa was delightfully silly. Garrett loved spending time with the dogs, particularly Daisy, who was not as thrilled. Garrett kept Grandma Gayla on her toes.
We had a very fun trip!

Daddy and Sweet Bean

Garrett loves his Daddy very much, and vice versa (and Mommy, too) :). Garrett loves playing with his silly Daddy, and the occasional eye gauging/ nose pinching of Daddy. Garrett will ask for DaDa when he's not home.

Garrett enjoyed watching Daddy leaf-blowing the other day. At first, he didn't know if Daddy was crazy or what. Later he helped by sorting a few leaves.

Garrett is definitely getting more expressive with his affection. He'll come up to you, sometimes and give you a hug. He loves cuddles and hug-a-loves, as we like to call them. Garrett will give his stuffed animals hugs too. The other day I puckered my lips, and he copied me, giving me a kiss.

He's our sweet man. The sweetest man in the world; I tell him that often.