Christmas Vacation

We spent two weeks in Idaho over Christmas and New Years. Some highlights-
*Plane ride there with three kids by myself....but not really because an angel named Andrea came to my rescue and helped me entertain and herd the kids around during the whole ordeal. She lives in Burley and was from a small town outside of Idaho Falls. She was a mother too and she could see I was in dire need of some help. London at one point was throwing a fit and threw herself down in the isle of the plane as everyone was getting off and wouldn't get up. She proceeded to repeat the tantrum several times as we tried to get off the plane and to baggage claim. Thank goodness for double strollers and restraints.
*Helping my mom in her candy shop. I got to make fudge (and eat fudge--making sure the customers didn't see me lick my fingers....I washed my hands!) I got to dip stuff in caramel and chocolate. And a huge bonus was that I only had to take Coen with me and my brothers watched the other two. It was a lot of fun. And I got rewarded with goodies from the store. And that iced hot chocolate! And the cupcakes! I am pretty sure I had at least one a day.....so good. I miss them....the cupcakes. No I really miss my family. It was so much fun being with them and working together as a family at the shop. My parents are so brilliant when it comes to retail.
*Christmas Eve and Christmas. Prime Rib, shrimp cocktail, brie, risotto, strawberry spinach salad, french bread, Grandma's punch for Christmas Eve dinner. Can it get better? Grandma and Grandpa Schwendiman joined us for dinner at my parents house and we all got new PJ's. Soy and London looked so cute....And Soy was so much fun to watch this year. London had fun too but Soy was really starting to get the hang of it. After opening presents at my parents house we went over to Joel's parents house and his whole family was there besides Jeff and Heather. It's so nice to have Jared back! He is such a great guy. His whole family is just great.
*Spending time with Madalyn and Dawson. Dawson and Coen are pretty much the same size except their heads-- Coen's is bigger. Dawson is so cute! He is such a perfect mix of Blake and Madie. She is such a sweet momma.
*Van-hot red mama van with smoking hot wheels! Thanks Norm!
*Coen's Blessing. We had it at Archer church on Wednesday, December 29. It was so nice. I loved having it with just the family there--it made it very intimate and sweet. Joel gave an amazing blessing as always. Coen was an angel and didn't make a fuss. He looked so cute in his sweater and hurley dress pants (Thanks Lori!)
*Richards Reunion. All the Richards stayed in a hotel in Rexburg and hung out for the yearly bash after Christmas. We went out for Chinese at New Fongs --- old time favorite --- and had our gift exchange, the theme was scripture related gifts. They are so clever.
*Schwendiman Party--Party at Melanies house.....really bad weather, bad roads, my mom was driving.....bad combo. But we made it and got to see everyone and it was great. Then we got together later in the week with just my cousins and their spouses at a pizza place. It was so much fun to see what everyone is doing with their lives.
*New Years Progressive Dinner Party. I planned this party with Joel's family much to Joel and Norman's chagrin (fear of lack of participation). It turned out good despite it all and everyone had a good time except Heather who was quarantined in her room with the flu. It was fun to see all of Norman's brothers and sisters and of course Grampie.
*Tangled. We always go to a movie together while we are there. And Tangled was it this year--loved it!
*Monopoly with Lee. Got to have a game night with my favorite uncle Lee and his wife Sarah.
*Baby Shower for best friend from school. Good luck with your little boy Kelli! So great to see so many good friends and see where they are at. And so many cute babies! Amanda, Jovani, and Lindsay all had their babies there.
*Snow and clear starry skies! I miss them both.