Utah.

We stayed with Bill's parents while we were in Utah. They were so kind to let us invade: take over their basement... their kitchen... their laundry room...  You would think that with only three old-ish kids left to haul around with us, things would be more quiet. Settled. Peaceful. {NOPE.}

After some discussion, Bill and I decided that it was because we weren't there for a "vacation." In fact, we seldom take "vacations." We travel with a purpose most times, and this was no exception. Bill planned to work a few days, and I was busy trying to get Lex prepared and packed for school.

Because we don't have a lot of extra space in our Pacifica (which we find ourselves often spontaneously referring to as the "minivan" - I thought I would NEVER again in my life drive anything so closely related), our plan was to pick up Britt's collection of college leftovers (which she so kindly held on to per her mother's request), and purchase as much as we could in the bounteous Salt Lake area, knowing the area of Rexburg has far fewer options. Bill's parents were just as busy (yes, Grandparents can have busy lives, too... oh no!).

We did manage a little family time, though.

Christmas gifts were exchanged:

 (Btw, Mom and Dad, WE love that sharpener... our knives have literally never been better.  LOVE that!)

The girls were thrilled to have an extended Christmas.

(Lex has mentioned several times how much she loves this blanket -

it helps her manage those -14 degree days.)

Grandma had several bracelet kits that the girls had fun making.

We colored Lex's hair, shopped for her necessities, sorted, washed, and packed. Fun, right?

We got to spend a little time with our cousin, Marlee, which livened things up for Mar, and while we were taking Lex to ID, Mauri also got to hang out with a few other Syddall cousins.

Thanks, Mom and Dad, for letting us come!