City Creek

Although my intention was to wait a little while for the crowds to die down at the new City Creek, we decided to take Atty on the Trax near my house, and we ended up going downtown.  It certainly is a gorgeous shopping and entertainment area, and of course there were a lot of people there (though not as many as I feared).  We ate dinner in the food court, and sampled the food from Taste of Red Iguana, since we love the restaurant so much.  Atty loved, loved, loved the train, as we knew he would.  And we took the wrong line home and ended up in West Valley City (now that Salt Lake is enough of a metropolis to have a colored line system), so Atty got to experience PLENTY of train rides!  He was pretty wiped out by the time we got home. 

Notice how Atty has his index and middle fingers crossed ... no, he's not making a wish.  He just loves to cross his fingers like this!

Steph and Mickel's New House

After twelve long years on a very difficult path, Steph and Mickel were recently able to purchase their first home together.  And what a home!  They're really making up for lost time.  It's in a gorgeous neighborhood in east Draper, with a beautiful yard, spacious interior and a view to die for.  At one point, I said to Steph, "You just can't stop smiling, can you?"  They are so happy with it, and feel that it's the perfect house for them.  Kaiya, unfortunately, has been a little traumatized about leaving her friends in Sugarhouse behind, and has cried nearly every day.  But I know she will make new friends quickly, and will hopefully feel better about it soon.  And both she and Teague weren't sure if they wanted their own rooms, so I guess we'll see how that goes. 

I'll have to post some pictures showing the house after they got everything moved in.  It looks great!  Congrats to Steph and Mickel, you guys deserve it!

Cousin Deanise

My cousin Deanise, who I really don't see very often at all, was in town recently with her daughter, and she put together a lunch for all the aunts, cousins and cousin's kids that could make it.  I think all the girl cousins except Alice and Debbie (who is still back in Washington) made it, along with the three surviving aunts, and assorted kids.

Laura gets her own shot because she came in late.  :-)  Deanise is next to her (in the blue shirt).  It's always great to get everyone together, and I wish we could make it happen more often! 

Tea and Manis and Monster Trucks, Oh My!

For Christmas, I gave the girls certificates for Afternoon Tea and a Mani/Pedi, and I gave the boys tickets to the Monster Jam truck show, and recently we used them.  First the boys went to the monster truck show, where, as you can see, they had very good seats for all the action.  We were a little concerned that Atticus wouldn't like it and/or wouldn't keep the earplugs in, but after a couple of times of walking him out of the arena, he settled in and watched the show.  Teague, who is an old hand at monster truck shows, loves it just as much as ever! 

Meanwhile, the girls all met at Grand America for their Afternoon Tea service.  As you know, Kaiya has been to tea before, and the last time we went she said her only wish was for Mom and Aunt Kris to go with us.  It was all very proper and fun (though I unfortunately forgot to take any photos).  Then Steph, Kaiya and I went on to get our manis/pedis (Kris couldn't come with us this time).  Though Kaiya loves her fingernails and toenails to be painted, this is the first professional mani/pedi she's had.  She LOVED it!  And it was just in time for them since they were leaving a few days later for their cruise. 

Bob Jones The Bear

In February I went to Idaho Falls for business training.  It was very intense, but fun.  My business partner, Karen, was there of course, as well as two consultants we've been working with - Heather and Kristen - and Karen's sister Laura.  We found a great house to share, and though it didn't look like much on the outside, it had been completely remodeled on the inside.   We found this bear in a hallway at the place we were meeting, so we named him Bob Jones.  Bob Jones the Bear.