Christmas Week 2015

The night and morning before we left, the snow decided to come again.  We knew it was coming, but that's one thing we've learned about Utah and the weather.  The weather forecasters will say a storm is coming, but they're usually wrong about the particulars...until it's happening.

Woke up to a few inches down, with still some coming

We waited until the roads were plowed, but if you can see it was still a snowy drive out

Finally saw the son, but there was wicked clouds over the Wasatches

We drove down the day before Christmas Eve.  The following two days were spent, morning at Thompson's, and evening at Hansen's.

Played my mom's newest expansion of Dominion...Alchemy

Glowing nose like Rudolph

Audrey had her baby only a few days before Christmas.  She got released from the hospital the day we drove down, so on Christmas Eve we wanted to see the newest little cousin.  The baby didn't have a name until released from the hospital, so the Hansen family nicknamed the 9 lb. bundle of joy, Chubbalicious.  Her real name though is: Remington Grace Kunkel. Or as Ellie calls her in a cute little voice, "My Remi."

Later in our visit, I took some newborn photos of Remi, or at least attempted.  Everything was going wrong.  Even though Remi had just eaten, she was wide awake and screaming her head off.  Then I didn't bring my camera, where I'm used to the settings, and I used my mom's.  Hers was yellowing out every single photo...no matter which white balance I used (even custom).  So yeah...it was tough.

The Hansen's had a Christmas Eve dinner with the Ingrams and Chris & Wendy Yi family.  Jake and Suzanne weren't able to come, and same with the Kunkels.

Then it was Christmas morning!!

Gnawing on his Santa gift

The kids did great taking turns and being excited about their gifts

One of the favorites was the R2-D2 hat, and a Yoda hat too....From the Texas Thompsons

My little reindeer

Smiles all around

Then later Christmas day we went over to the Hansen's house.  Opened up even more presents there, and then played with aunts and uncles.

Flynn liked chilling with Aunt Suzanne

Star Wars was definitely in abundance this year, and we loved it

Saturday we went exploring with Grandma and Grandpa Thompson.  We visited the Bass Pro Shops.  They have some large aquariums, and giant indoor waterfalls.  The hit though was the large aquarium, which is technically at Silverton. 

The sting rays who went straight up the glass, were the favorites

There was also lots, and lots of game playing.  The kids got a few board games for preschoolers, and they are a hit.  Then there's of course, Dominion.

Race to the Treasure!

He couldn't stop trying to feel Grandpa's whiskers

After two days at the Thompson's we switched to the Hansen's.

All bundled up and snuggling with Nub Nub

Robot arms from wrapping paper tubes

Holding little Miss Remi

We drove home, but on our way we made a fun stop in Cedar City.  Uncle Tyler and Aunt Sam, had also driven up for a fun day out to St. George and Cedar City.  We stopped at the WaffleLuv truck.  It was...deeelicious! Then we said goodbye and headed home.  Of course on our way home we hit another snow storm for a few hours.

It was cold waiting for the food

Aren't they cute?!

Beginning of the storm

They were great travellers

Can't see very much

 We tried not to open too many presents in Las Vegas, so we wouldn't lose them and would still also have room.  When we got home, explosion ensued.  We had fun trying and playing with all the new toys and gadgets.

Death Star Waffles!!