Road Trip Part 3 - FLORIDA!!

We finally arrived in Florida. We were so excited to spend the next few days with my parents. The last few times I had seen may parents it has been surrounded by weddings or holidays. Just really busy & hectic times of the year. I know it's selfish of me, but I was glad to have my parents to myself. It doesn't happen very often, so I enjoyed every minute of it. We stayed at a beautiful time share, Marriott's Cypress Harbour.Jared fishing in the lake at the resort. Didn't catch a thing. He had fun though.

Look...a bike that fits our entire family. While we were out cruising around it started raining on us. We were covered so we just kept going.



We came to Florida hoping to thaw out a little from the cold of Idaho. But the entire nation was feeling the effects from an Arctic blast. It was in the 40's the entire time we were there, minus one day that got up into the 50's. Whahoo! But it was still warmer that Rexburg, that had temps of -15. So, most of the pictures are of my kids with jackets, hats, and gloves. We didn't pull out any of the shorts I had packed. We didn't let the cold stop up. We even headed to the outdoor heated pool a couple of times.


UNIVERSAL STUDIOS


Heading to Universal Studios.
The Jurassic Park area was really fascinating. It had an area for the kids to look for fossils, hatch eggs, and learn more about dinosaurs. Outside was a huge rope climbing area.Scooby Dooby Doo, where are you?

Jared trying to fit that entire Dagwood into his mouth.


Ellie go to met Dora, the explorer.

My kids ran into a lot of the Marvel Characters. I already posted tons of pics, so I just posted this one.

This is for all you Harry Potter fans. This attraction is going to open sometime in May of this year. It looks incredible.


Am I trying to save Jared from Jaws or feed him to Jaws????



Dr. Suess land...Ellie was thrilled to meet Dr. Suess. She also got a picture with Sam I am.

We spent 6 days in Florida and 3 days at Universal Studios and still didn't do everything. I can't thank my parents enough! We had an amazing time!

Road Trip Part 2- Independence and Liberty Jail

When you are on a road trip you want to stop and do it all but there just isn't enough time. So, we had to choose where to stop and what to do. Our trip from Idaho to Florida was already 36 hours that didn't include any stops, just straight driving. We got to see a lot of really amazing things along the way there and back. Of all the states I drove through, I thought Tennessee was the prettiest. It looked straight from a postcard. Kentucky, even though we drove through it twice, both times was at night, so I still have no idea what Kentucky looks like. We got to see the the St. Louis Arch and a herd of 100+ deer in Wyoming. Even though it was a lot of driving and it seemed REALLY long at times. I love road trips, they are always an adventure!

The kids at Liberty Jail. It was a great experience for the entire family.

Liberty Jail. As they retold the events that took place at Liberty Jail, the Spirit was so strong.

We stopped at the visitors center in Independence, Missouri. The kids were able to see how the early saints lived when the were in this area.

The kids enjoyed all of the interactive videos.

They had a copy of the Book of Mormon in all the different languages around the world.

I am so glad that we were able to experience these things as a family. I hope the kids will remember a little about the places we visited and the things they learned along the way.


Next stop...Florida!

Road Trip Part 1- New Year's with Bill's Family

On our way to Florida, we stopped in Nebraska for New Year's to see his family. It was a short visit but it was fun. We haven't been able to make it out to Greg & Alycia's since they moved to Nebraska.

New Year's Eve

On New Year's Eve, Auntie Mame and Grandma Denos had a cake making contest with the grandkids (minus Gabriel and Jared)
Ready...Set...Go...

Team Auntie Mame with Ellie and Sammy.

Team Grandma Denos, with Rachel & Sierra.

They decided to make a cake, easy bake style.

Decorating the cake.

Team Auntie Mame and their finished cake.


Team Grandma Denos and their cake.



The judging. Uncle Drew, Bill, and Grandpa Denos having a little taste. Completely non partial. HA HA! And the winners are...

Rachel & Sierra showing off their easy bake oven masterpiece.


New Year's Day
Pile on!
Ellie fell asleep with Grandma Denos by the fireplace.

Sammy & Ellie

The brothers: Greg, Andrew, & Bill.

Christmas

CHRISTMAS 2009

This year was very different for us. It was the first time we have spent a Christmas without being close to extended family. It was hard being away from everyone. Missing out on all the holiday traditions we've shared over the years. But it was also nice, we had a very simple & quiet Christmas. And we started some traditions of our own. One of the kids favorites was reading a Christmas story every night in December by candlelight. This Christmas was probably one of most relaxed I've had since we've been married. Christmas Eve we went bowling with the kids, when it got dark we supplied ourselves with some hot chocolate and went and looked at Christmas lights, and then came back and retold the story of the birth of our Savior. The kids opened one present on Christmas Eve and then to bed for the anticipation of Christmas morning. Christmas Day was quiet and we had some good friends over for dinner. I made my first prime rib ever! I was SO nervous, mostly about ruining an expensive cut of meat. It turned out great, thanks to Paula Dean. (One of the few recipes that doesn't require adding butter, cream, or frying.HAHA!) I was so sad that I forgot to take pictures of the evening with friends!

Making Christmas goodies, or should I say eating Christmas Goodies. Ellie licking the bowl of Christmas sludge. That is what she called the fudge. Too cute!
(Yes, she has crazy wild hair. I only do her hair if we are going out in public because she screams and cries everytime I even think about doing her hair.)

It was so fun to make goodies with Rachel. She is finally old enough to actually do things on her own. She kept right up with me.

Christmas Eve. The kids acted out the story of Jesus' birth.

Christmas morning. Ellie opening up her presents.

Jared got a guitar for Christmas. I think I have enjoyed listening to him more than he has playing it. He said he wanted one so that he could be like his Uncle Colin and write songs. And be like his Uncle David so he could impress the girls. I have caught him singing a couple of songs that have just cracked me up. One was him singing a song for Kylah (a friend that just moved to Washington with her family. He misses his friend) Jared was singing 'Oh bring her back..just bring her back..." and another funny song was a song about life and distractions. (I have no idea what kind of distractions a 6 year old has but it was entertaining)

Rachel has turned into a little creative crafty person. That's what she wanted for Christmas.

Ellie wanted a princess dress.

Jared has been asking for a BB gun since June. We told him that he had to show us he was responsible and that if he really wanted it he has to save up for it. I think it was around October that Rachel decided she wanted one too. So, they pooled their money together and started saving. They had almost $40 saved up for the one they wanted. They were just $10 shy. A week before Thanksgving, Grandma Denos had a stroke. We were trying to figure out how to make it down to see her for Thanksgiving. Jared without hesitating said, "Mom, you can have my BB gun money." I was so touched that he would be willing to give up something that was so important to him for something that was truly important. Something, as a mother, you can't put a price tag on. Christmas morning, Santa surprised them with a BB gun.