The Kitchen Family

UTAH trip. {cont.}

:: Week 2::

 This week after Christmas was the craziest time of our whole trip. We were going NON-STOP, visiting many people, and we lucky to have many travel to come see us. It was a great week. My dad, Cort and Brock went Coyote hunting. 

Us girls went shopping and scored on some after Christmas deals.

The weather was just right while we were in town. A lot of days a jacket wasn't even needed. Strange for the end of December, but so enjoyable. We did A LOT of playing outside and both Grandma and Grandpa's and Papa and Nana's.

 We had a party at the Kitchen's with the Brown's. So much fun! It was so great to be all together again, and eat and eat and eat, and play games. Everyone's favorite time of the night had to have been Reverse Charades. Teams take turns and one person guesses while the rest of the team acts. Hilarious.

 After trying to get together multiple times, FINALLY Brendon got to meet Jessie. My FIRST friend. Ever. She's beautiful as ever, and I miss her like crazy. She is more like a sister than a friend. Hopefully one day we'll live close and our babies will be friends.

 The ALLSOPS stopped by on their way to Vegas for a few hours, which was SO not long enough. I can't believe this is the only picture I got while they were with us. They need to move to TEXAS for the next few years so KALZA came be together again. ;)

It was oh so good to see them and visit.

 Wednesday night we celebrated Christmas again at my Grandma Sheryl's house when Brett and Danna and the girls came into town. My grams did a "money tree". That's right, we all picked a star off the tree after she read a cute little story, each star was 50 bucks to spend on yourself. The little ones got gifts and a star made out of 5 two dollar bills. Dinner was catered by Kneaders. YUM. 

She is so giving, always has been, always will be.

 Smash Burger. Yum.

 Brock's grandparents made a one day trip down to St. George from northern Utah just to see us. They are sweethearts and we've missed them dearly. We used to go to their house for Sunday dinner a lot when we lived in Provo.

 Uncle Matt, Kai and Co all wore red Vans, didn't plan it. Co thought that was "so cool". Now he wants to wear his red Vans ALWAYS.

 My big bike rider boy.

 Ty, Laura, Abs and Baby #2 stopped by to visit on their way back to AZ from ID. An hour was not even close to enough time to spend with our old neighbors. About 10 minutes before they had to leave, Co and Abs were just getting warmed up to each other. Ty's in PA school right now, and Laura's due in June. 

Can't wait to meet that baby!

 Lovin' Aunt Jenna.

 Friday was one of my most favorite days of the trip.

We spend hours hiking in Snow Canyon, my favorite place in St. George.

While we were waiting for everyone to get ready, we relaxed out back in the sun, reading, chatting, eating leftover movie theater popcorn. Cohen obviously thought it was his bucket of popcorn. He shoveled it in as fast as he could, trying really hard not to let anyone share.

 These pictures speak for themselves....

Snow Canyon State Park.

Maybe it's an acquired love, but I'm in love.

If you are ever in St. George, I highly recommend hiking or at least driving through the park. Pictures don't do justice. 

We spent the day with Brock's family on New Year's Eve.

Started out with kickball at the high school.

Talk about a competitive game! You get a bunch of "Kitchens" together and you've got some serious competition.

And I LOVE it.

 Tiffy :: Jen :: Nana

 It was a little chilly if you weren't running around, so we took turns snuggling Brend. I don't think anyone minded. Cohen was so proud to kick it and get on first base. He also is getting a LITTLE better at taking pictures; bottom left pic, he actually got someone's face in the pic, even it it was his own. ;)

 We went to the one and only CAFE RIO for lunch, rented and watched some show about APES taking over the world, while Tiffy and I did our nails. That evening it was time to party with FONDUE, a Kitchen family tradition.

 Three handsome boys to call my own.

That night I took Brock to catch a shuttle to Vegas, by himself, on New Years Eve night. Sad! I felt like the world's worst wife. Pretty much was. And to top it off, he flew home to a lonely house for a week and had school and hours and hours of studying while the boys and I stayed in Utah to play. Guilt.

He is such a trooper.

I kissed him extra hard at the shuttle so it would last a couple hours til midnight.

New Year's Day was relaxing and rejuvenating.

After a long, memorable week it was well needed.

Church was wonderful. Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Seventy attends my parents ward quite often, since his daughter and her family are in that ward. He was there for his sweet grandson's blessing, he and his daughter Janessa also spoke.

His talk was about Mormonism in the world today and how different the world is, for the worst, and how much more important it is to reach out and help those around us in these trying times.

Very uplifting. He is one inspired man.

When he speaks he has a way of drawing in your attention and making you want to listen for hours.

What a perfect day to end the week on.