"It is Christmas in our Hearts that puts Christmas in the Air" W.T. Ellis

We were very blessed to get to go to Utah for Christmas this year. Our thinking went along the lines of "since Tyler will not be with his family for the holidays maybe we could go and give them something to look forward to." I know we missed Tyler very much but with the movies sent with the iphones he was able to enjoy the gift giving somewhat. We arrived on LaVar's birthday Dec 23 and took Tim and Laura up on their offer to pick us up at the airport. They gave him a lovely book on ships that not only he enjoyed but so did Ollie.

LaVar was the donkey for our lovely Emmaline as Mary in the Christmas play with Charlotte's neices and nephews.

 Christmas day was so fun, but Tucker felt a bit overwhelmed at first but soon got into the swing of things. He got a cell phone that was a particular attraction as well as all kinds of balls.

This rock candy from my mediteranian store was a hit and the dinosaur liked it very much.

Jaim and Jody invited us to come and see what they have been doing in their kitchen and we thought it was really great. We love what they are doing in true "Huntzinger makeover" style. They did bring Monster their Great Dane over for visits he is well behaved and obeys Jody well. 

We went to see Savannah's campionship soccor game. She played well and they won! Lucky 13!

 Some people went to Avatar the movie, some people cooked, some went to the temple and someone got to hold Naomi and loved it.

Charlotte opened their home for a Hightower/Huntzinger get together on the day after Christmas. All of the boys came with their wives and children plus Chelsie. Rachel and Greg went to the only temple open during the holidays and stayed for the evening then went back home to Orem and Greg's family. Tim and Laura arranged the evening a delicious desserts and Charlotte served pulled pork sandwiches with all that could go with it. We played games and had a great late night with all of them! It was so wonderful for me to meet the girls I had been lurking on their family blogs and see the precious babies they have pictures of. Emmaline was the main entertainment for the children. Savannah floated between the group of children to the games and conversation of the adults. Jaim and Jody were the hit when they arrived with Monster. The children didn't seem to mind this small horse amoungst the party. 

Ryan and Stacey~ Chelsie~Jessica and Chistoffer down front. Brook and Chason (holding Chris' baby)~ Jordon just returned from his mission and Kelly
Our friend Molly Collings came to visit after church on Sunday with her 3 children. It was so good to see her and remember old times.
After all that partying one of us got sick! Ollie kept him company and we delayed our going to Fallon a day to see if anyone else was going to get sick.

Off to Fallon we went. Tuesday on the road, Wednesday there and Thursday back home. It was a full day though. Brad and Kendal were there with Izzy, two dogs, an interesting cat and a mouse. Linda was there too, we just missed seeing Natalie and her girls. Brett and Rowena had house guests from California but we still had a great night of chili and cornbread from them. Mom and Dad's had a house full but they seemed to enjoy the company as they always do.

Emma asked for and got some alone time with Great Grandma, looking at shells.
They got to play in the freshly fallen snow. This is Grandma Cecile done in "snow"
Brad and Kendal brought not only gingerbread house for each child but a PILE of candy to decorate like I have never seen before.
It was almost time to go after that full day! I had no voice after getting some kind of virus and am still recovering. Tucker thought he would give himself a shave like Grandad. The kids were perfect travel companions and Charlotte and excellent driver in the snow that we traveled through going both ways. We had a wonderful trip, wonderful memories and we thank all of you for your contribution to both.
Our Amaryllis waited for our return to bloom.
Terry this one is for you. This little leather purse I bought at my wonderful thrift store for $1.98. There were 2 there at the time and I have had so many compliments on it I wish I had gotten both. I found out what "color swap" means on my little camera! What fun that has been.
The orange Wal-Mart boots took us there and back. Even got me a comment by an ardent Boise State fan on her way to the big game. She liked the color as she too was dressed all in orange. Thank-you, thank-you, we had a great time!

                                                                    HAPPY NEW YEAR!!