Christmas Idaho Style!

WARNING - LONG POST AND LONG MONTAGE AHEAD - BEWARE


I know that you all have been impatiently awaiting my Christmas post. I apologize to all of my faithful readers for my slacking. I have been minus the motivation to blog and really in the post Chirstmas slums. So, I have now emerged from my cocoon and am ready to blog.

As many of you know, Steve and I decided rather last minute to head to Idaho for Christmas. This was due to the fact that Grandpa Nelson, who is 99, has been ill and his sister Kayla was home from Germany. After swearing last year that we never would do it again, we packed up the car on Thursday night (before Christmas) and hit the road. Steve was the coolest husband ever and on Thursday we left our house at about 8 pm and stopped in St. George at 4 am, Utah time. Me and the kids slept most of the way and Steve drove on, he gets all the props in the world because I was totally like Lighting McQueen and said I would stay up with him all night, but then crashed. Luckily he didn't dump me on the side of the road. Anyway, on Friday we got up and had horrible roads from just before Cedar City to around Nephi, to make matters worse because we live in good old Cali, they didn't put the de-ice washer fluid in the car and so we kept having to stop to clean off the windows because the whole thing froze up on us.

We stopped at Mike and Stephanie's for a couple of nights and Kari and Jason and Jakey came too. It was great, the boys got their shopping done, Kari and I finished up what we needed to and we had a fun time with all the kids. On Saturday afternoon us girls went to a little production of the Nutcracker, it was cute and Brooklynn loved it. On Sunday, we went to Church to hear MacKenzie, Savanna and Haven sing - it was Beautiful - and then we headed for Idaho.

Let's just say that mom and dad Empey's new kitchen is fabulous, it really makes having everyone around so much nicer. There is so much space, although we did find at times that more space means bigger messes, but it was so fun to be there. We had a great Christmas Eve, with good food a fun little nativity and then a lot of wrapping of gifts. We had quite a crew at the house with Mike and Steph, Steve and me, Kari and Jason and Kayla. Kelly and Katrina and Kris and Andy were there on Christmas eve and then headed out.

Christmas morning was so fun and Josh really enjoyed it, but was overwhelmed. The other two of course had a wonderful time. Santa wrote them each a letter telling them that he left their gift at home since there was no room in our car to bring it home. They were so excited to have something waiting for them at home.

The rest of the week was spent sledding. Josh was a riot and we made him go down the hill with us a number of times. I think he had fun because he didn't cry. Brooklynn and Ty both had a blast. Brooklynn and Kenzie are pals. Brooklynn adores her and Kenzie takes good care of Brooklynn, so they went down the hill together. We also went up to Idaho Falls to see Dave and Trista, but then when we got there they were at the hospital with some false labor. So, we didn't get to spend to much time with them. We are excited for their little one to arrive still and Trista we love you, hang in there. We took the kids over to the go cart place there and Brooklynn had a blast driving a go cart all by herself. She was so fun to watch as she was trying to pass Tyler. Jake and Josh had fun on the bounce house things. It was a fun day.

Steve and I also went over and spent a few hours one afternoon with Grandpa. He never ceases to amaze us and is doing so well after his surgery and all he has been through. He is back in his own home and has an occupational therapist, a physical therapist, meals on wheels and then Dad Empey coming over regularly. We were there when the physical therapist came and gave him a good work out. He is trooper and determined to get as much strength back as he possibly can. We are so grateful that he is doing so well. Dad Empey is amazing and we are grateful that is there to take care of him.

The last major event of the week was a birthday party for Jake. Thanks Kari for having it early so we could all enjoy it with you. Kari made the cutest Mickey Mouse cake (she is so talented), the kids smashed a pinata, and everyone had fun. I think the highlight of the party was singing happy birthday - Jakey LOVED it! He was trying to sing along and asked for 2 encores. So, we lit the candle and sang to him 3 times. It was so cute.

Anyway, we had a wonderful time and are so glad we were able to see everyone! Thanks for a fun Christmas everyone - we love you and miss you and hopefully we will be able to see you all soon!!!!

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