Christmas Vacation

We decided to go to Utah after Christmas this year.  It was a lot of fun and I think this is going to be a new tradition for us. 

The very day we drove out there we had a Harward family reunion with my grandma and cousins and their kids and everyone.  We haven't seen a lot of them in a few years to we made sure to get there.  It was a very long day but worth it.  The great grandkids sang a song and Ben was roped into conducting them.  It was really cute (the kids not Ben!!!)

The best part was seeing my grandma Harward.  The kids are so lucky to be able to visit with their great grandma. 

It was also nice to be able to open lots more presents from grandmas and grandpas.  Thanks guys!!!

Ben and I decided that this year we would get a hotel room in Salt Lake and just have some fun with the kids.  They were so excited.  When we got into the room the first thing they did was run to the window and look at the view.

Next they discovered the closet.  They had so much fun playing in there.  They locked each other in and made their beds in their and just had a great time.

Then it was off to dinner.  We decided on Olive Garden.  I know I know we should be adventurous when we are visiting other places but we like to go places that we know and love.  We all had a great meal of salad, breadsticks, and pasta.  Now I'm craving Olive Garden again!!!

After our dinner we walked to Temple Square.  On the way we found these cool benches that they kids love playing on. 

At Temple Square the lights were amazing as always.  The kids really enjoyed seeing the lights and the beautiful temple.  It was actually really warm that night too considering it was December and since we went after Christmas the crowd wasn't too bad either.

After the lights we headed back home (walking again) to our hotel.  This was the moment the kids had been waiting for ever since they knew about the trip... SWIMMING.  There was a swimming pool and a hot tub.  Kyle kept going from one to the other having so much fun.  Poor Ben had to keep following him and after the hot tub the swimming pool was freezing.  Makayla loved showing off her swimming skills to everyone.  It was a really nice little getaway.  We are already thinking of doing the same thing next year.

After Salt Lake we came back to my parents house.  (We had been staying with Ben's parents previous to this.)  Take a closer look of who is holding Kyle.  I think the older we get the more alike my sister and I look.  Some people think we are twins.  That is an awesome compliment to me since I am eight years older than her!

Our last nigth Addie and Zoe (the kids' cousins) were nice enough to let Kyle and Makayla use their room.  Kyle loved his bed.  He wouldn't even let me snuggle with him that night.  He wanted to be all by himself!!!

Makayla has to read every night before she can go to bed just like her mommy.  The funny thing is I got that from my mom too!

We had a great trip with everyone but it was really nice to get home.  I think Kyle was the most ready to be back in his house and his bed.