Utah

We left for Utah on Thursday December 19 at noon. 

 The boys were way pumped about being on an airplane. This was our first flight having to pay for all 4 of us. Ouch. But it was nice having an entire row to ourselves. :) They did great too! And lucky dad got to sit across the aisle.

 We were suppose to arrive in SLC at 6:45PM. That did NOT happen. Our layover was in Las Vegas & was only suppose to be 1 1/2 hours, but it turned into 5 hours! Apparently the SLC airport shut down that morning due to bad snow conditions. Really?! Why? Why does this happen? When we finally arrived in SLC & got to the baggage claim we waited another 2 hours to get our bags. It was hell. I've never seen so many people in an airport in my life.

I found a wall & plopped down because my boys were asleep. They really were champs throughout the whole thing. We didn't leave the airport until 12:15AM. That's 2:15AM to us. Ugh.  

But we made it & that's what counts. We were happy to be in Utah. Friday was just a lazy day. Everyone was pooped from the looooong day prior.

 I couldn't help but snap a pic of Doug & his dad. Typical dad moment right here.

 The boys had fun playing with all of Grandma Shaw's toys & Christmas stuff. Their favorite was dressing up & pretending to be reindeer. 

 Seriously?! Look at that baby sweater that Gavin is wearing. He was in the chilly basement & wanted something to stay warm. This is what he found. He wouldn't take it off either. Haha! And don't you love Liam's reindeer paws? Too cute.

Doug & I spent the afternoon getting all of our Christmas shopping done. We don't purchase anything before we travel as it's a waste of space. And it's a nice excuse to get a day date out of my husband. We had fun shopping til we dropped.

That night I got to go to a Holiday Party with some of the girls that I use to work with at the Brick House Retreat Salon. Jenn is always so sweet to host this yearly gathering in her beautiful home. It's a party that I look forward to all year long. I just love these ladies to pieces & miss them so much. They were my second family when we were all together at the salon. It's always fun reminiscing about the good ol days in the break room etc. But I love hearing about what their doing here & now. It's so fun hearing about the things they are accomplishing with their talents, work & families.

{Me, Alisha, Sarah, Jenn, Liz, Amanda, Jaimie, Lindsay & Megan}

Saturday was a busy & full day of fun. My day started out bright & early as I hit the road for the 45 min drive to Saratoga Springs. I went to visit my Aunt Colleen, Grandma Faye & cousins. With my parents on their mission & all my siblings living out of state, they are my family. It felt so good to be with them for a few hours. It really felt like home & my heart was so full of happiness.

We couldn't have a gathering without doing a craft. We made draft stoppers out of socks. Super cute idea. Not really applicable for me with living in Florida so I just made one for my MIL.

 G'ma Faye & Aunt Colleen

 {Cousin Lexi & Me}

 We also couldn't resist singing a few Christmas carols around the piano. It's a family tradition for us girls at our annual Christmas party, but since I missed it she indulged me. :)

 I just love seeing my G'ma Faye. She always looks so stylish & put together.

 I balled like a baby when I had to leave. I just love family & am so grateful to have them in my life. Being my moms twin, my Aunt Colleen is pretty much my mother. It felt great getting her hugs, hearing her laugh & just being with her. It got me real excited to see my mom in just a week. :)

I hit the road again for another hour drive into downtown Salt Lake City. The entire drive there I couldn't stop smiling. I met up with my high school girlfriends at a cute & quaint place called  La Jolla Groves for lunch. It was the first time in years that all 9 of us were all together. :) 

{top: Emily, Laura, Heidi, Me, Rachelle, Lisa}

{bottom: Courtney, Jamilyn & Holly}

 

We had the place completely to ourselves (red flag for a restaurant, but the food was really good) & spent a couple hours chatting away like we've never been apart. Well most of them aren't apart. Emily & I are the only ones that live outside of Utah. But when everyone has a family of their own & work etc it's hard to stay in touch. 

I know this pic is random, but I just loved being at the end watching everyone engaged with each other. I love these girls! Such a fun ladies luncheon.

I was sad to leave, but I had to race to Danny & Whitneys. We were driving up to Heber to meet the rest of the family for the Polor Express train ride.