A little late, I know. Where did November go, anyway. We went to St. George for Thanksgiving. Just because we wanted to and we love St. George. It was our mini-vacation for the year. We had a hotel with a swimming pool. What else could you want? (softer beds came to mind) Mike's extended family came along also. We drove down Wednesday. On Thursday, it was pouring rain, so we hit the 12:00 movie (Bolt) and then looked for a place to eat. Of course, there isn't much open. We had planned on eating at
ChuckaRama, but the line was forever long, so we ended up at Denny's. Yup, Thanksgiving dinner at Denny's and it wasn't to bad. Chase had alien pancakes, Connor and Mike hamburgers, the girls chicken and me, the turkey of course. Worth every bit of not having to cook and clean up. On Friday, we headed into Zion National Park.
On the way there, we stopped at this old pioneer town called Grafton. There are some building and a
cemetery. It's pretty cool. We also stopped at the
Rockville cemetery. It is an old
cemetery also, with some pioneers, but my sister-in-law's niece and nephew are buried there. There was a grave dug and all the kids got in it. They thought it was pretty funny.
Then Zion. This is one of my favorite places, it is so beautiful and there are lots of hikes that are nice for kids. It was pretty muddy in a few spots, but beautiful. Here's the whole crew, minus Mike's dad who took the picture.
We went back into St. George and played on the "red rocks" that night and Saturday. This is by far the kids favorite place. It's up where the Dixie is, above St. George. The kids can run all over and there is this crevice called "the Narrows" they like to go through. 
Here's Chase in it. 
And Kate. It really is narrow, Mike and I can't fit. 
Connor took this shot of Mike and I. Check out my awesome squinty eyes. I should have kept my sunglasses on. Here's my kiddos. In between all this hiking there was lots and lots of swimming and games. A first rate trip.
At least I do. When we moved here about 5 years ago, Mike's Dad started taking us skiing. Connor learned when he was 8 and Chase was 5. Since then, our family has gone 3-4 times a year, except me. I was usually home taking care of a little one, although I did go a couple times a year, thanks to my terrific family. This is the year I have been waiting for! We can all go. In the past, we have gone south to ski with Kim at Snow Basin, Brighton, or Alta. 
This year we decided to try buying season passes to our local resort, Beaver Mountain. While Snow Basin it is not, it has a few things going for it. It's definitely small, but much less expensive and close. Terrific actually because we have already gone 6 times. And we are all skiing, YAY. We started Kenna this year. She went twice with us and then all of the kids started group lessons on Jan. 10. Kenna took to it really well. 
We thought she might be wimpy, honestly, but she hasn't. Last time when it was so cold, she wanted to go longer than the older one. They go every Saturday morning for four weeks. This is awesome for two reasons. Mike and I have two hours to ski by ourselves and the kids are learning so much. 
I can't believe how much my boys have improved in two weeks. Then we ski as a family in the afternoon. So I know I need to do a Smilebox or something, but didn't feel like it, so there are just lots of pictures on this post. 
Mike has my poles so I could take pictures. That's also the reason there aren't any pictures of me. Sad to because I look pretty hot in my ski clothes. :)
Also she got to wear make-up, which she ate up. She told me she was "the most beautiful girl there". She even did her dance, which we weren't sure about, since last year in her singing group she just stood there and gave everyone the grouchiest face possible. As mom, I totally messed up the video. In the spring, I guess I'll get another chance.
Chase came home last December and told me he had been learning about quilts at school. "And the ladies said anyone could make one, just use your fabric scraps. Can I make one, mom, please." I really, really wanted to say no. I don't make quilts, felt totally inadequate, didn't want to take the time, and I usually don't make anything without a pattern or some sort of direction. However, the Spirit was telling me this would be great for Chase, so I did it. He picked the fabric and we figured out the pattern. I sewed the strips together. Then it sat for a long time until I finally borrowed a frame and Chase tied it. I learned alot about not putting stretchy fabrics with non-stretchy fabrics. I also learned to let go a bit, because it really drives me crazy when things don't match up perfectly. Anyway, it looks ok and best of all Chase loves it and I guess we spent some "quality time" together making up. I still don't think I'll become a quilter anytime in the near future. Kudos to all of you who have that talent.
