Sledding

Yesterday we rounded up the neighbors and took the kids sledding at a huge hill by the amphitheater in Eagle Mountain. We started on the smaller section first which was enough to put smiles on their faces. I took Madison down first and then came back and got Austin when he was ready. He LOVED it. He laughed the whole way down, which had me laughing!! Then Garrett and I took Madison and Austin all together down the big hill which was so scary, but fun. We were going so fast and didn't stop until we were on the dirt at the bottom on the hill. After the big hill, which Madison wasn't too fond of, we took them to a hill that looked like a 'U'. I don't know how else to explain it. You went down one side and up the other alittle bit, going back and forth until you stopped. It was Madison's favorite. She stayed there for a good 30 mins while Austin ran off to the park. Thats right we took the kids sledding and they just wanted to play at the park!! Austin stayed there and played while the others kept sledding. Madison eventually came over and played on the swings with Austin. After that the snow was getting mushy and the sled was losing air so it was slow enough to let them try themselves. We took them back to the little hill and let Austin and Madison go down together, which was fun to watch!! We even let Austin do it a few times himself. Gosh he looked so big! And then it was back to the big hill for our last runs of the day. I took Austin, Madison, and Kesler down twice, and then all of them; Trek and Kesler, Bryce, and Garrett, AJ, and Madison, went down the hill side by side. Of course the kids didn't want to go, but we were all so tired. We were almost there for two hours!! I don't have the pictures yet because Jen took them all, but I will try to get them from her soon. It was so much fun, and warm too. I love that we didn't freeze our butts off :)

Trip to Elko

Our trip to Elko was so fun! Loved all the family visit!! We spent Wednesday at Grandma Kathy's playing with Kait and Kenzie. The kids had so much fun playing together and opening their gifts they got eachother. We loved hearing the stories they brought back from Disneyland! Can't wait to go ourselves!! Had a yummy lasagna dinner, as usual! Thanks Grandma! Thursday we spent the morning in town grocery shopping and finding shoes at JCPennys....I'm laughing cause Elko doesn't really have a shoe store and we went there to find Garretts shoes!! Funny stuff :) After that we had lunch with Grandma Terri and GG....aw 9 beans was yummy!! The kids got to open a few gifts there, which they loved!! Had a very good lunch visit with them. Then it was off to Grandpa Neal's house to make pies and cookies. I had a great time with my brother making pies. We spent two hours in the kitchen together, talking and baking. Thanks Cody, I'll remember that forever! Then it was off to Traci's for a spaghetti dinner and wine....haha ok so I had the wine but I think everyone enjoyed it :) Friday we spent the morning getting everything ready for our big dinner with my family. Yummy ham, turkey, and all the fixings!! We had great company and more presents for the kids!! They are gonna think everytime we go to Elko they are going to get presents. Madison kept asking, "when are we going to get presents from them"! Such a greedy girl. Friday night Garrett and I went out with my sister, Traci, and her hubby to the casinos. We did a little drinking, a little gambling, and a little dancing. Watched some fireworks and went back to the hotel room and passed out by 12:30. Saturday we were up early and headed to Grandma and Papas to get the kiddos and spend the day playing, painting, and a very cold, but fun wagon ride! Oh and finally an updated Grider Family picture yay!! Sunday we had a beautiful breakfast at my sister Tabitha's house. Thank you for all of that food, girl! We watched the kids play for alittle bit before Leena had to nap, but still visited with our kids played with her toys. It was good to sit and visit with my sisters and brother!! Then it was off to our long trip home......always the fun part!! NOT!! But we made it and with no tears, so thats a plus. Thanks again everyone for the visit, the gifts, the laughs, and the food. We love you all!!
So as you can see we had a very busy trip. Always on the go! We came home and had to get back into the swing of things with Madison's school. Luckily Garrett had this week off so that has been nice. He's been painting the garage and tinkering with the four wheeler. Trying to get that to work. He goes back to work Sunday, on days (YES!!), and then it will be really back to reality. Sorry it took so long to write this, all I wanna do it sleep!! Pictures will come soon :)