Utah 2012

We may have started a new tradition.

We did this last year just because & this year a baby blessing took place.

So we loaded up the SUV to the brim (not even kidding) with our family, Josh's parents & way too much stuff & headed to Utah.

We drive at night because it's just easier with younger kids (less potty breaks, less food stops, etc.).

Unfortunately, it was snowing so it was an adventure.

It was my 1st time driving in snow. Thank goodness for 4WD & my beast of a truck.

Lots of snow & very cold (3 degrees).

I think Josh & his dad saw it at -2 during the night in the middle of Nevada.

Made me very thankful for heaters and jean blankets.

It was so fun to have so much family together

(all but one of Josh's siblings & family were able to make it).

The kids had a blast hanging out with cousins that they normally see and even more fun with the ones they don't see enough. Wish I had pictures but we were all busy catching up and fitting in as much as we could.

Plus the kids would have just been blurs as they were all playing so hard.

Our boys were so excited for all the snow especially since last time

we came there wasn't much.

Riley and Grandma Phillips made this cute snowman that stayed up until after we left.

The blessing was perfect and there were lots of family members & friends in attendance.

The Bradford's are sure loved.

Our little family took a drive so the boys would take naps.

We found some little old shacks frozen out.

We also took our SUV off roading a bit in the snow.

It was awesome!

Josh just loved the look of the Expedition in the snow.

We were able to meet up with friends in Utah and I loved how the kids played so well together and the adults were able to catch up. So thankful to have such great friends that even though we haven't talked in a while welcome us into their home and we can pick up exactly where we left off.

We stayed until 11pm & the boys were asleep before we even got out of their neighborhood.

Josh & Riley (more Riley) enjoyed shoveling the walkway & driveway.

Things like this are fun when you don't have to do it everyday.

New Year's Eve Day Josh's brother & his family headed home

and the rest of us headed to the local school to play in the snow.

Seriously so many great pictures and memories from those few hours.

I love this video of Jett & London.

Classic!

Go Kylie!

This was Daxton's 1st time in the snow.

Josh even snowboarded with Daxton.

As the sun went down so did the excitement (at least in the snow).

Daxton was tired & cold & no longer a fan of the snow

(didn't help that he had regular shoes on so his feet were frozen)

so we all piled in the cars, changed clothes & headed to the Bradford's for the food.

So much cozier than the snow!

And of course there had to be a dance off.

So glad I catch these on video.

Sorry for this one being shakey.

I was trying to keep Jett with me so these three could dance it out.

We rang in the New Year pretty much the same way we did last by heading to bed early.

We wanted to be well rested for the drive back the next day.

We said our goodbyes the next morning & headed home.

Almost got stranded in the cold on the salt flats. You know you're being watched over when the vehicle says you have 0 miles left of gas and you still make it to the gas station 30 miles away.

We are thankful for the memories that we and our kids made with our family in Utah.

We love visiting them & wish it was more often.

New Years in Utah may be a new tradition though.