Second Cousin Fun

 My cousin Sharee and her family were in town for all of Christmas break. Her twin boys are similar in age to Andrew. We decided to meet up a couple of times and have some fun.

One afternoon we went to the Provo Rec Center and spent the afternoon swimming. It was so fun and the kids played hard and for so long. I didn't take any pictures but it was a great way to let them all get their energy out. They all found activities in the water they enjoyed. There were four adults: Katie Ricord, Amanda, my mom and me. We had lots of supervision to keep track of everyone. After swimming we came to my house and had dinner and played a couple games. It was a busy/active fun afternoon and evening.

My mom and I took Sam's kids for two nights. That gave us lots of one on one time with the kids. We spent one evening decorating gingerbread cookies.

Another afternoon we headed up to Loralie's house. Here we met up with Katie, who had Sharee's twins, so we could go sledding. Then Kris Ricord and kids met us at the sledding location. It was a very fun afternoon. The kids lasted for a couple of hours with very little complaining. They played so hard.

Kiera was so good to Audrey. She took her down the hill over and over.

My favorite quote of the day was Audrey yelling, "I want to go fast, faster faster." She was so hilarious and had no fear.

Trying to get a group picture. It didn't work out to well.

The kids were exhausted after this adventure and so was I. We got warmed up and watched a movie to finish off the night!

Chritmas

 My mom flew to Utah on December 18th. She stayed with me the entire time she was in Utah. I loved having her around. We got to visit, visit lots of family and relax some. We actually sis something pretty much every single day she was here. She was here for almost two weeks. Games were played, food was eating, and memories were made. 

We did Christmas Eve at my house. I was more than happy to host. I love gathering everyone together even though it can be so much work. We made yummy food, read the Christmas story and opened all the presents. All the Browns that live in Utah were her along with my mom and Nancy. It was a successful night.

I made everyone take pictures before opening presents. The kids were good sports, especially considering the anticipation:)

I made the adults join in too!

My favorite part of the evening is that we took turns opening all the presents and so we got to see everyones reaction. It was really fun. The kids did amazing at being so patient. We spent a couple hours opening presents because we all took turns. 

This girl and her faces!

It was a great evening. Sam and Amanda stayed way later than normal and everyone was in a pleasant mood.

Christmas Day we spent at Dan's house. It was so nice to sleep in. Amanda made delicious cinnamon rolls. I can't remember the last time I had a cinnamon roll but hers were so yummy. We went to the park, played games and just hung out. We had lots of yummy snacks and ended the evening with a ham dinner. 

Hiking In The Super Cold Weather

 The first Saturday of Christmas Break Jacquie Carter, Eric Carter and I hiked up to the Rock Canyon lookout. It is a moderately steep 5 mile round trip hike. I hike it most Saturdays with Amber. We started early and it was soooo cold. When we finished it was only 18 degrees. Somehow we survived but man I was so so so cold. We took a couple pictures at the lookout and you can feel the cold when you look at them. I could barely get my face to smile!

All the hair that was exposed was frozen. I took another selfie back in the car. Just a reminder of how chilly it was.

I am so grateful for the Carters. I love hiking with them. We hike most Tuesday and Thursday mornings. It is good for my physical body and my soul. We have taken January off because of how chilly it has been and I have definitely missed it.

The First Real Snow

 This year the weather has been crazy. We had the wettest October ever, mostly rain, and then the driest November. We were way overdue for a good snowstorm. We finally got a really good one. A bonus was that it was on a Thursday and Friday so the snow was beautiful and amazing on Saturday.

Amber and I hiked up Rack Canyon to the look out and it was awesome! Now I am sitting at home on a Wednesday because we are having the first snow day I have ever been a part of in 17 years of teaching. Actually there may have been one other one. It is weird to be at home on a work day. I am going to try real hard to be productive.

Thanksgiving

 Dan, Nancy and I headed to Susanville for Thanksgiving. We lucked out with great roads going both directions. I was hoping to stay home for the Holiday but Tyla was getting blessed so we made the trip. Dan, Nancy, mom and I shared a hotel room because there were so many people in town for the blessing. There is a hotel walking distance form their house and so that makes it really nice. The hotel also had a hot tub which I used everyday:)

We started every morning with a nice walk, then we played games and visited, and I usually hike din the evening. It was a pretty relaxing break. We all took turns snuggling Tyla. Jacklyn's parents and sister and husband were also in town. We filled up their house real fast. It was a nice break.

Jacklyn actually took this and sent it to me right before our trip but it is too cute not to share. She is so happy!

I would hike the helipad 3-4 times each evening as the sun was setting. I got to witness some beautiful sunsets.

Ben and the kids came up for the baby blessing. That was awesome to get to see them too. Aaron did a great job and poor Tyla cried through most of it.

Ben and Katie's kids. Love these guys so much.

They all took turns holding Tyla.

I love this picture!

Tyla wore Jacklyn's dress from when she was blessed. It looked very cute!

We all sure love this girl!

Olivia looks so little holding Tyla.

It was a really nice long weekend. I am grateful I got to spend it with family.

Fall Break

 For fall break Nancy and I headed to California. We spent time at Aaron and Jacklyn's, Ben and Katie's and my moms. It was a lot of driving but a fun trip. It was so good to see everyone.

 

We got lots of time to snuggle cute baby Tyla. She is the cutest and happiest little baby.

Thursday we headed to Oroville. We stopped in Redding with Aaron and Jacklyn to see Virginia and grandma Brown. We had a very nice visit with them. They both got to meet Tyla for the first time.

Friday we headed to Lodi and got to watch Ben and Katie's girls perform cheer at a high school football game. They were also on fall break and had done cheer camp all week. The final activity at camp was to perform at the actual football game. They were very cute!

It was a fun a fun evening!

Saturday my mom and Ben took the older kids to the movies. Katelyn and I shopped for a new bike for her and went to yogurt. We found a new bike and yummy treats.

I also snuck in time to visit Angelee and Milila while in town. I feel like I really maximized my time and got to visit lots of people.
 

On Saturday Nancy and I headed back to Susanville so we could leave from there. It is just a little bit closer. The drive had clear roads both directions so that was great. I always love having the chance to catch up with California family.