Utah Trip

Christmas morning we learned that my Grandpa Garrett passed away.  We were expecting it--in fact we were asked to pray that he wouldn't have to suffer long.  We found some warm clothes, borrowed some coats and headed up to snowy Utah for the funeral.  The funeral was nice--I learned some neat things about Grandpa.  I saw some cousins that I haven't seen for a long time and it was great to visit with everyone.  We also got to visit with the Hodges side of the family.  It isn't very often that we can get together, but I love seeing all my aunts, uncles and cousins. 

There was a lot of snow on the ground and the kids begged to be able to play in it.  They had on their borrowed coats, some mittens and beanies, jeans and tennis shoes.  I thought they would only last for a few minutes, but I finally had to call them in after an hour because it was starting to get dark. 

The funeral was on Saturday.  We decided to drive home Monday.  We stopped in St. George to visit with some of Jonathan's friends from Uganda then went to the temple to see the Christmas lights (because we failed see them at the Mesa temple). 

It was a was a great trip.

Christmas with the Garrett's

My mom wanted us to join her and dad for church the Sunday before Christmas and then return to her house for dinner and Christmas festivities.  My brother and his family were in town and it was great to see them. 

After church we took some family photos (still waiting for a copy) then had a yummy dinner.  Next the kids acted out the nativity then played Silent Night on the chimes. 

Then they got to open presents.  I made my kids' wish list this year and some of them weren't too happy, but I didn't want my parents to spend money on toys.  I opted for some fun science kits and school games.  Turns out they love them and have been playing with them often.  I got some new boots and then Jonathan and I got some money that we will use to buy a new stove.

One of my favorite things about this time of year is getting to spend time with family.  The kids have so much fun playing with cousins and I enjoy visiting with the adults.  Memories are being made.

Christmas with the Mecham's

Our Christmas Eve tradition is to make gyoza with the Mecham side of the family.  This year we did it up at Jeremiah and Christy's new house in Prescott Valley.  Kosette and Matt came down from Oregon and Alison and Patrick brought their cute new baby from Utah.  The only one missing was Uncle Philip (he opted out). 

We got there early and went for a hike.  It was a little cold and it sprinkled on us, but it was beautiful.  We had lunch and then relaxed.  Finally it was time to make gyoza--this is something we look forward to all year. 

After gyoza we cleaned up then shared Christmas presents.  Earlier in December Grandma Mecham gave all the grand kids their presents--monkey's that she had crocheted (she learned how as a YW goal--Awesome!).  They were supposed to be Christmas tree ornaments, but the kids kept them down and played with them instead.  Jonathan and I got a camping "stove".  I'm not sure what it is called, but it looked cool and we look forward to using it.  We'll go camping as soon as it warms up.  The siblings did a homemade gift exchange.  We got Alison and Patrick.  I stole and idea from a friend and made a name board for them.  Lucky for me it was pretty easy and I had some help.  I think it turned out cute.

We got candle holders that Jeremiah carved on his lathe.  They look great on top of our piano.  The kids got some wands, too. 

We attempted to take an outdoor family photo, but it was too cold, so we tried again inside and were successful. 

Christmas Eve is also the night when the kids get to open their new pajamas.  This was another fun day visiting with family and letting the kids play with their cousins. 

Colorado Camping

After the wedding we decided to stay in Colorado for a few more days.  We originally planned on getting a hotel, but prices were too high, so we packed our camping stuff instead and found a nice campsite near Durango.  It was near a lake and a river and surrounded by beautiful trees. 

We had a lot of chipmunks running through our site and the kids wanted to catch one.  They set up a little "trap" and Corbin had fun tricking them into thinking that one actually came to take a drink. 

Our first day was Sunday.  We got setup and enjoyed some time together.  Corbin cooked one of our meals for a cub scout requirement--hamburgers and hot dogs.  Too bad that the nearby forest put fire restrictions on campers.  Camping isn't the same with out a campfire. 

We took a walk out to the lake after dinner.  It's not as pretty close up as was on the drive coming in. 

On Monday we spent the morning on the river fishing and playing in the water.  It was a bit of a hike. 

That afternoon we played some games and had a photo contest.  Jonathan gave the kids the camera and had them take 3 pictures.  I don't know who took what or who won, but the kids loved being able to use the camera.  Here are some of the hi-lights.

We were all in charge of an activity.  Braedi and Ephram made a mini-golf course.  I tossed a beach ball in the air and challenged everyone to keep it off the ground.  I can't remember what Dyllan came up with.  And Corbin had us play pine cone baseball. 

We decided to head back to Phoenix on Tuesday so that Corbin could be home in time for his cub scout pancake breakfast fundraiser on Wednesday.  We had a nice relaxing day at home and watched the fireworks that night. 

Colorado Wedding

The kids have a new uncle!  Auntie Ko and her long-time boyfriend, Matt, got married last week up in Durango.  They rented a bed and breakfast and invited family and a few close friends to spend 3 days celebrating.  The weather was a little warm, but the Ranch was beautiful and so were the festivities. 

We went up a day early.  We did some hiking.  Such beautiful mountains!  We saw smoke from the fires--everyone prayed for rain.

We saw a lot of animals--several deer, a bear on the side of the road, a beaver in the pond, fish and bugs. 

The first night was a bachelor/bachelorette party (dinner at a restaurant).  Then home to bed.  During the days we were on our own.  There was wedding stuff that needed to be done so not a lot of family visiting.  We spent Friday morning fishing.  A great river runs right through Durango and we had access to a private part.  Too bad the fishers didn't have much luck.

Friday night we had a rehearsal dinner.  All of Matt and Kosette's nieces and nephews were the wedding party and Faythe was the flower girl.  They paired up and practiced walking down the aisle.  They were super cute! 

Saturday morning Jonathan went on a fishing trip with another guest and the kids and I relaxed then went for a little hike.

 
Then back to the ranch to get ready for the wedding.  I met Jodi the night before and she offered to come over and do the girls' hair for the wedding.  I'm so grateful that she did becuase the 'dos turned out better than I could have done. 

The boys looked sharp and the girls looked beautiful.  They did a great job of walking down the aisle and standing in on the ceremony.  Faythe was funny, though.  She and the girl next to her traded flowers back and forth.  Faythe also played with her shoes and showed her underwear a couple of times.  The ceremony was beautiful and the vows were well said. 

Then afterward there were pictures, a yummy dinner, dancing and cake. The kids danced the whole night. Ephram took a while to get out on the floor, but once he was there he couldn't be stopped. They were fun to watch and dance with.  The photographers did a great job with pictures.  To see some more of the wedding check out their site. 

the only one of us. . .and my eyes are closed

Saturday night was a late night, but it was fun.  The next morning meant time to say good-bye and checking out.  We extended our Colorado stay and spent a few more days camping--but more about that in another post. 

CONGRATULATIONS MATT AND KOSETTE!

Bear Flats

It is so nice to have Jonathan home this summer.  We've been able to do some fun things together.  A few weeks ago we decided to go camping.  Actually it was supposed to be with a homeschool group, but that trip got postponed so we decided to go on our own.  We headed north (or maybe it was east--I don't know where half the places are that we camp at) to Bear Flats.  It was a nice little area with a lot of trees, a little stream, a few bears and no bathrooms. 

Jonathan and Corbin had fun fishing.

Braedi, Dyllan, Eprham, and Faythe had fun playing in the water.

And I had fun reading.  I did fish for a little.

Corbin was working on a fishing pin (or belt loop) and had to clean a fish--gross!  He had to cook it, too.  He shared a little with everyone. 

Jonathan and the kids made a crawfish trap and tried crawfish for dinner.  Seeing them crawl around in the bowl was a little freaky for me--I sometimes wonder why I'm not a vegetarian. 

Jonathan and Corbin got up super early to fish the next day which meant that I was in charge of breakfast.  I don't normally do the cooking when we are camping, but I was able to figure it all out.  The rest of went on an out-of-control-hike and were glad when we finally made it back to the campsite.  We spent the rest of the day on the creek--fishing and walking the trail and playing in the water (and reading). 

I tried to take a few pictures of the kids while they played.  It would be fun to learn about photography, but I think that will be for another phase in my life.

Faythe didn't climb the rock.