Trip to Utah and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Since leaving Utah in early September, our family has wanted to go back for a visit so bad.  We had originally wanted to go in October but weren't able to make it so we planned a trip for right after Christmas.  We decided to leave December 27th and stay until New Years Day.  We left right after lunch on Thursday and headed out.  We had a long 9 1/2 hour trip ahead of us.  It ended up taking us about 12 hours to get there because of the snowy weather conditions.  At one point as I was driving I was scared to death.  The snow was falling hard and we were driving through the mountains on a two lane road and I couldn't see the lines on the road.  It was dark and the only other drivers out there seemed to be tractor trailers.  It was scary.  We hit Provo and decided to eat dinner, yes at 1am, at the Ihop.  As we sat there we decided not to drive the remaining 35 to 45 minutes drive and just stay in the hotel across the parking lot.  It was a good decision.  We were so tired and were going to hang out in Provo the next day anyway while Josh slept since he works at night.

The next morning we woke up and got ourselves together to go spend the day with The Banks' family.  It was so nice to just pick up right where we left off.  There are families that you meet in life that make such a huge impact and go through so much with you that you consider they family.  That is what the Banks' are to us...Family!  Noah and Mason played in the snow, we ordered pizza,  and just hung out!  It was awesome.  We then headed over to see three more amazing friends who we also consider our family...Randall and Jess Raban and their brand new addition Holland.  It was so good to spend time with them.  They are amazing people and we adore them.  Then we headed to Josh and Jadey's house where we were going to stay for the next few days.  We went to dinner at Fazoli's and just hung out!  It was a blast.

We spent Saturday with Josh and Jadey.  We went to the movies and just hung out!  It was great.  Sunday we went to our old ward.  That was amazing.  They were so happy to see us and finally meet Kaitlyn.  Then we went over to The Banks' for dinner!  It was fun catching up and just being together.  Noah ended up staying the night with them.  On Monday we went and picked up Noah and Mason and took them to lunch at the mall.  We got Kaitlyn's blessing and sealing dresses.  They are beautiful!  Then we said our goodbyes to The Banks' and headed back to Josh and Jadey's for dinner and to bring in the new year.  It was fun!  Then Tuesday morning it was time to pack up and head back to Colorado and back to reality.

It is so nice to be home but we sure do miss our Utah family!  Kaitlyn is happy to be home and be back on her schedule!  Noah is happy to be home to play with his friends and new toys before heading back to school tomorrow!  I am excited to be home and to just take it easy and make some plans for our family for this new year!  I hope everyone had a happy and safe new year and may God bless each  and every one of you in the new year!