Merry Christmas Part 2 - Utah

Really early the morning after Christmas we boarded a plane to head to Utah to see Mimi, Papa and Uncle Craig.  We also planned to get some good skiing in. They had lots of snow, so it really felt like Christmas!

The kids spent lots of time shoveling ice and snow- crazy kids!  They may or may not have been in their pajamas and snow boots... When we are at Mimi's house there are no rules!  

Cole had a pretty nasty cold starting our trip and then I was fighting off something the first few days and Richard ended the trip fighting off the same thing.  None of us let it ruin our fun!  That's what Motrin is for!  We did blow our way through a few boxes of tissues and hot tea and hopefully didn't share the wealth with the rest of the family!  

Our first day of skiing was great (especially once the Motrin set in for Mommy)!  Grady had a lesson with the Reindeer Club and Dominic said he was awesome!  

He can ski greens and blues very well and learned to ski moguls this time.  He even caught some air this time on a jump or two.  He prefers to take off the trail paths whenever possible!  He is a dare-devil at heart and doesn't mind crashing one bit.  There might have been some skiing with one ski on down the hill a couple times, while mommy had to go retrieve the lone ski that was a few hundred yards or so down the hill.  No big deal... ;-)

He is already out skiing his mother and father.  Sigh...  :-)

It was perfect weather the whole time we were there.  Mornings were pretty chilly but by noon it was mid 30's, sunny and clear.  Perfect skiing weather!  

One of our favorite parts of Deer Valley...

Their hot chocolate and giant cookies are to die for!  The cozy lodge is pretty nice as well.  We were spoiled!  

All smiles and "chocolate on the mouth"

(Inside joke for Cole)

Now, a couple years ago Grady attempted ice skating at Midway and it didn't go too well.  He has been bound and determined to get back to that rink and show it who's boss ever since.

I know this isn't too shocking for those of you who know him well - ha!  Mommy decided to give it a go with him this time and it was a blast... success!  

He was a little unsteady at first but then got the hang of it!  

He also realized falling could be fun!  

I love this kid!

The view wasn't too shabby either!

Another night we also headed next door with Mimi to have a date of yummy gelato at Spin Cafe and then to see to Ice Castles.  They were awesome!!!

The pictures really don't do it justice.  The ice castles were huge and lit up with changing colored lights.  There were tunnels everywhere and fountains.  It was spectacular!  A must if you are in the area.  

Sweet Mimi kept Cole at home with her while we skied and they had a wonderful time.  I'm pretty sure Cole would like to move in with Mimi and Papa.  

This was our view each evening out the kitchen window.  The sunset was amazing one night in particular and I had to get a picture.  Later I realized there was a slight cross in the sky on the left.  Do you see it?  Beautiful!

More skiing...

Have I mentioned that my Dad is an awesome skier?!?  Almost 70 and can out-ski all of us nearly!  

This is the top of my favorite run- Homeward Bound.  You feel like you are at the top of the world!  

Grady has gotten so, so good.  He also loves it.  I wish we lived as little closer to skiing for his benefit.  He can't wait for the Winter Olympics.  He has reminded everyone who will listen that it starts on his birthday this year!  

Uncle Craig is a hero in our house!  Grady also thinks he should be a professional skier.  

Daddy felt terrible on this day, but wasn't going to let a little fever, aches and chills ruin his day!  What a trooper.  

One evening Mimi made some sugar cookie dough and the kids got to make after Christmas cookies- yum!

Mimi has the patience of a saint... This was Cole's first time to decorate cookies.  He loved it!  I drank wine.  

Grady is a cookie decorating pro!

We also did lots of playing, snuggling, wrestling, eating and repeat.  We opened presents, watched movies and drove around looking for animals.  My kind of trip!  

It was such a great way to finish off 2013!  Thanks mom and dad for another truly wonderful time.  It just keeps getting better and better.  

Happy New Year!