NEW

There's something magical about bringing your kids to where you

spent your childhood growing up

and then experiencing it all over again

through your kids.

This year in Utah included many firsts

that were seconds, thirds and hundredths for me.

but NEW all the same.

It also included tons of firsts for me!

I also love a new year that feels like a fresh start.

This year included Tons of NEW things for us. (we should be used to that by now.)

We started off our year in Missouri with Lynette and Jon and their family.

It was a freezing cold and humid January so most everything was indoors.

We flew into Kansas City and stayed the night there and of course went swimming.

In Kansas City is Legoland.

Such a cute, fun place. Even the waiting at the entrance was decked out with legos.

 

They had entire miniature cities built out of legos

After Legoland we ate at a place called Unforked. It's one of those trendy urban restaurants that's right up my alley - unique, healthy but not too healthy, and natural ingredients.

I can't remember what I got but I do remember it being amazing.

Lots of staying home and indoor playing, which is what these kids really just want to do.

We got to see the chicken coop mansion

and the epic tree house at Nette's house.

  with a zip line

 Yummy breakfast

and the only big bummer was that Ben didn't get to come, so he wasn't there for our annual New Year's picture.  So this is our new year picture for 2018.

 In Branson they had the Dixie Stampede. They give you an amazing dinner that you eat entirely with your hands

and they put on quite an impressive show 

 I will say my favorite part was the live nativity, complete with camels too!

This was such a great opportunity for the kids to spend time together. We were just missing Micah.

And it was fun to see my parents while they were away on their mission. 

 One thing I will say about my parents on their mission is they were busy

but not chaotic.

They seemed organized and not frantic.

I think that's a good pace to keep for two people who thrive on work and busyness, 

and love serving. 

 Macey got a little gift from my mom called Radish. 

They give step by step cooking instructions for three recipes each month.

and are easy enough for Macey to do entirely by herself.

She's pretty proud of her work, and the recipes are good.

 Pie Face!

 We tried out the Tree House Museum in Ogden.

It's cute.

They have darling story tellers and have the kids do the acting.

 This took me back to the day when Cody and Macey were in a jail similar to this one in Oklahoma.

I asked Cody what he did to be put in jail and he answered "I hit someone" and when I asked 2 year old macey she told me she killed a man. :D

 It was actually super awesome that this year was a really unusual January for Utah. It made a transition from California less painful. We went in the middle of January to hike in the mountains. If it wasn't for the need for moisture I would wish this type of weather in Utah every single year.

It is not that way in Jan. 2019. boo. yay for skiers.

We went to Antelope Island with no set plans, but with a plan for adventure.

I took their bikes but we ended up setting out on foot.

 We may have gotten slightly lost and I may get slightly overly ambitious, but overall it was a success.

I don't think my kids love hiking because whenever I can coax them to do it I really kill them.

But I just can't help it. I love hiking. Maybe I ruined my kids. Oops oh well.

 Macey wanted to ski for her birthday and Ben had the opportunity to take her skiing just the two of them. She did great!

 Cody did the spelling bee at Burton Elementary and rocked it! He was in the third and final round but eventually got out. Especially considering he does not like spelling I thought he did absolutely amazing and I was pleasantly surprised and happy that he tried it.

Ben didn't totally miss out on adventure this year. He was able to go goose hunting with his dad and Pepper Murray on a weekend. Fun adventure for a chill month.