Lava Hot Springs

The day after Christmas we headed up to Pocatello for a mini vacation.  Kody had some hotel points we needed to use and that was excuse enough for me.  We swam at the hotel the first night and then went to see Kody’s sister Karissa’s new house in Pocatello the next day.  It was fun to talk and have lunch with them.  We watched Penguins of Madagascar at the local theater before heading to Lava Hot Springs in the evening.  It was pretty cold outside and snowing but the water was warm.  The only hard thing was getting all our warm bodies back into the cold to go back to the hotel.  They upgraded our room so we had to separate rooms with King Beds and a kitchenette (they call these suites I think ;) ).  It was great to spend time together.

Sadly I didn't get any pictures...we were too busy having fun!

Sub for Santa

We always have a hard time knowing what gift giving we should do on my side with extended family.  Should we have the cousins give to each other?  Or the adults give to each other?  This year we thought we would find a family to give to.  My Dad, being the bishop, found the perfect family to give too.  The kids had fun gathering all the wrapped gifts and we actually got to go into their house while they were away and put them under the tree.  It was such a great experience that I’m sure will become a new Christmas Tradition.

We also enjoyed our annual trip down to see the lights at Christmas Village and opening grandma and grandpa’s gifts. They got everyone jackets with their last name on the outside.  Now when someone leaves it at their house they will know exactly whose it is ;)

Theater Room

Our last portion of the basement to finish was Kylie's room and our home theater...which is good because I had run out of stream but Kody was driven to finish this "Man Cave."

We did everything ourselves minus the sheetrock.

The wood ceiling with LED lighting in the crown molding was Kody's idea and is a nice touch.

Christmas 2014

With Thanksgiving being the last week in November Christmas was upon me before I knew it.   

The elves did their best to keep up with the advent calendar.  These notes helped them keep coming :)

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The girls decorated their cookies Christmas Eve and they turned out so cute!  They are starting to have a real talent for decorating!


 
 
 
 

 I tried to simplify this year and get kids not as many things but I still seem to get more than I should.  Baylor was really fun this year.  He had been sick but he loved unwrapping his “car, cars.