Vacation at the Holiday Inn...

Bryson, Brooke, Krystyn and Gabe took Sophie, Jack and Chase for an overnight vactation at a hotel. Swimming in the pool and lots of quality time with their uncles and aunts and cousin is the funnest thing in the world for the kids.

Go kart racing, round 2....

We went and rode the karts again, this time Gabe, Brooke and Krystyn were in town to participate.  This was a highly anticipated and competitive event.  Wendy handily won first place. Aunt Brooke was most surprising with a second place showing, her skills on the kart far surpassed her skills in a car?  Bryson was rather disappointing, he spun his kart around three times during a twenty lap race.  My times were not impressive but I did beat Gabe...ha, ha.

Good times on the Polar Express...

If you (or your kids) are a fan of the movie Polar Express, the Heber Creeper Polar Express is a must on your holiday list.  We obtained tickets a month ago, they sell out fast.  We were joined by Grammy and Gandpy, Bryson, Brooke and Gabe.  The ride up Provo canyon was a little dicey at times but we arrived on time to jump on the train in Heber.  I would guess the temperature was around 15 degrees (at that point accuracy doesn't really matter).  The train itself must be a least 100 years old, it is decorated to match the movie version and yes, it is heated by a vintage wood stove.  

The ride itself takes you through the Heber Valley to Soldier Hollow and takes about an hour and a half.  Along the way we were visited by Santa and Mrs. Clause and fed cookies and hot chocolate by Santa's elves.  The kids were enchanted by the atmosphere on the train.  I'm convinced that the Polar Express adventure will be the highlight of the Christmas season for our family.

Wendy is so excited to ride the train downtown...

We have established a tradition of going downtown every year around Christmas to check out the lights at Temple square.  Every year I suggest we ride the train downtown and Wendy shoots it down with a different excuse.  This year I prevailed, we rode the train and had a great time.  I secretly think Wendy has a phobia concerning public transportation.  Check out the expression on her face!