To Grandmother’s House We Go

The kids and I were greeted at the airport by ten family members (Justin arrived 3 days later than us and was greeted by one - me). Never before have I had that kind of welcome home. I don't think I've ever gone an entire year without coming home either.

The kids were surprised (and extremely thrilled) to learn that four of their cousins were coming to stay at Grandmas house with us for a few days. Those first few days were likely the best of the trip for the kids. The four girls decided to share a queen-sized bed at night and we were surprised that they stuck with it all three nights. Of course it took them a while to fall asleep but nobody fell out of bed and they got a decent enough nights sleep. Jason warmed up immediately to the big boys and they were very good with him tagging along and sharing a room together.

We arrived to rain but overnight it turned to snow and it easily snowed over a foot those first few days. The kids went sledding several times while we were in Utah. Not only did Grandma and Val take the kids to different sledding hills they spent just as much time riding down the hills as the kids.

Sledding at the “up and down park”

Grandma and Carly

At first Jason didn’t want to get any snow in his face so he preferred to sit behind someone else. Here he is riding with Val.

See he really is there – and LOVING every minute of it

It didn’t take long for Jason to feel comfortable riding solo. In fact he became quite the dare devil and figured out how to get himself spinning around in circles and throwing himself off the sled. So much for not getting any snow in his face.

“The Girls”

On day two we all went to the aquarium, who would have thought Salt Lake would have an aquarium? Jason was very excited to see the fish and penguins, but wasn't too keen on getting close to the stingrays.

The big kids didn’t have any problems touching the stingrays.

Katie also thought the fish were pretty interesting

Grandma had lots of other fun things for the kids to do with their cousins. They made gingerbread houses (the kids turned this into a boy vs. girl contest - the boys gingerbread house was the last house standing.)

They also made rice crispy treats and decorated cookies.

Grandma’s train was also a big hit with the kids

Later in the week Grandma gave each of the girls a craft project. Both projects ended up being a bit challenging for the girls, but they loved it.

Grandma spent lots of time helping Carly with her first cross-stitch

Abigail’s project involved a butterfly pattern, small pieces of yarn, and a latch-hook tool – I love these classic crafts from my childhood.