Midway Vacay

The kids and I jumped on the opportunity to go to Delta, UT with Brent for a grower meeting with the idea that we'd make it a little get away.  The kids couldn't have been better help at the meeting and were so proud to listen to their dad.  Hudson pulled up a seat and didn't move during the entire presentation (other than readjusting his Precision Planting hat.)

After the meeting we went to the park to let the kids burn off some energy since it was such a mild day.    The weather happened to be unseasonably warm the entire weekend.  Then we travelled to Midway to stay at the Zermatt.

The kids couldn't resist this cute little car at the pizza place.

After dinner we drove around a bit and found the secret gem of Midway, The Store.  It a grocery store, paint shop, shoe store, deli, bakery, gift shop and ice cream shop all in one.  We were pretty impressed with the dollar ice creams.  

 We finally put on winter coats and hats for a wagon ride around the Homestead.  It was supposed to be a sleigh ride, but kind of hard to make that happen without any snow.  After a little chit chat with the driver, we learned that we had spent some time in Lake Powell this summer with his brother.  Small world.  We talked so much that the ride was over before we knew it.

 Back at the workshop, the kids got to visit with Santa.  They were all a little apprehensive as they didn't really even know what they wanted.  Hudson requested a real cowboy that he would name Hunter.

 Ruby barely squeaked out "a baby."

And Dalanie simply asked for LOVE.  Santa made her parents feel a little guilty, but really- what could be sweeter than a sincere request for more love.

The highlight of staying somewhere is always the swimming pool.

Then it was off to Heber for a ride on the train.  The kids were pretty excited.

 "All Aboard!"

Not very long into our ride, the train was interrupted by some raucous train robbers.  They were yelling at us to get our hands up and flashing their guns.

 Needless to say, the girls were terrified and I was trying to hide/comfort them like a mother hen.

It didn't take long before Hudson became a part of their act.  He was supposed to guard the female robber and he took his job quite seriously.

We finally convinced him to retreat so she could get her guitar.  She had a beautiful voice and was a talented musician so it was a delight to listen to her.  She sang some cowboy songs and then Christmas songs.

 It was a pretty small group, so it was easy to feel like you owned the train.

A picture with the conductor, Hudson's ally.

 Headed back toward SLC, we stopped at Scheels.  We didn't know what to expect, but all of enjoyed a ride on their ferris wheel.

 And as the smallest, Ruby happened to also be the bravest.  Brent & I were the ones with sweaty palms.

We were lucky enough to meet up with an old roommate of mine, Heather, and her husband for dinner at City Creek.  After nearly 8 years it was great to visit again.

We were able to enjoy the lights at Temple Square without hats or gloves.  It was a beautiful evening and not too crowded.

 Ruby by "her" red tree.

 It was short and sweet, but a lot of fun.

Christmas Tree Search

Our search for a Christmas tree took us up Kelley Canyon.  Some of us were more determined than others to find the 'perfect tree.'  After bumping along muddy and rutted dirt roads for what seemed like an awful long time Hudson questioned the reason we had to keep going.  "There's plenty of trees right here."

It was a warm afternoon with only patches of snow, so the hunt was rather uneventful.  Ruby and I lagged behind but finally caught up with the others when they stopped to admire their find.  It was a beauty.  Rich green color and nicely spaced branches.

With a lot of effort and a dull saw, they got it cut down.  It was just enough of a break for Ruby and me to catch our breath before we were trailing behind back up the mountain.

Mr. Skeptical, now quite proud of the trophy tree he helped find.

We spent Monday night decorating it for FHE.  My job is to wrap the lights and then I get out of the way and let the kids go to work.  Of course there have to be some relocated ornaments, but they sure do love pulling out the decorations and helping.

Giving Thanks

There were several Thanksgiving activities going on.  One of which was a little pre-school playgroup that I contributed to.  We have a great group of moms and kids in our area that get together on a monthly basis.  

Making india corn with colored cereal.

Thankful Turkeys

The Mayflower

Feast day at school.  As usual, the kids requested the brown bag turkey stuffed with popcorn.

I loved watching Dalanie and how cute she was with Ruby.  Having your sister come to your classroom is a pretty big deal.

Our grateful tree.

I especially loved the leaves that were painstakingly created by my kindergartner and penned by my proficient second grader:

We spent a low-key Thanksgiving day at Grandma and Grandpa Hillmans.  The grandkids performed a short program about the first Thanksgiving.

The entire cast.

Indians

Pilgrims

I love this time of year.  Our long harvest is over, the weather is mild and the days are beautiful.  My heart becomes heavy a full with gratitude for all the blessings I enjoy.  My life has been richly blessed and I recognize my Heavenly Father's hand in the prosperity that we enjoy.  I am grateful for my good children that continually amaze me with their abilities and strengths.  I give thanks for my husband and the way of life we enjoy.  I appreciate his partnership and enjoy that we are not afraid to work hard and sacrifice for our dreams and ambitions.  We live in a beautiful place, and are surrounded by salt-of-the-earth kind of people.  We have opportunities and freedom, warm beds, and health.  But mostly, I am grateful for my testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and the knowledge I have of my Savior.  This knowledge gives me purpose and direction.  For all of these things I give thanks.