Christmas 2010--SLC and Boise

We spent the 2010 Christmas season away from Georgia--first time ever! We flew into Salt Lake City on Friday December 17Th, and returned home on the 29Th!

This was by far one of the best-- if not the very best trips-- we have ever made. It was so delightful to spend the time with Derek, Lori, Maya, Kyle and Avery in Meridian--just a few minutes from Boise, Idaho!

On Friday the 17Th, as planned, Aaron arrived at Little Falls around 8:30am and took us to the Atlanta airport.

The photos below are just some of the highlights of this wonderful trip. The Christmas lights on Temple Square were phenomenal and were also a highlight of the trip.

I might add here that this was the first flight for our 6 year old, 6 pound Yorkie, Mattie. After much drugging (prescribed tranquilizers and Valium--as instructed by our vet), she only whimpered a little on the flight out, and completely slept on the trip back. She had to be confined in a pet carrier (red Vera Bradley) and sit at Carol's feet under the seat. Pets are not allowed out of their carrier during flights--per Delta.

We spent Friday and Saturday nights in Salt Lake City--just 3 blocks from Temple Square at a Marriott Residence Inn. On Sunday--19Th, we drove to Boise arriving early afternoon. After checking into the downtown Boise Residence Inn just across from Boise State University--we visited Derek and family.

Each day, we let Mattie stay at the one and only Pet Smart Hotel in the area--she got use to Bud, Meagan, Charlie, and other staff members. While we rented the Residence for the week--we did spend Christmas Eve at Derek and Lori's so we could watch the faces of the kids on Christmas Day.

Derek, Lori and family have some great traditions for this special Christmas season. These include: opening only 1 gift on Christmas eve; driving through the neighborhoods and looking at Christmas lights (local neighbors had synchronized their lights with local radio station--that was awesome); reading the scriptures about the birth of our Savior and why we celebrate the season; and dinner is always fondue with chicken, steak, and shrimp. Last two traditions are to monitor Santa through NASA and to also leave Santa chocolate chip cookies, milk and a note!

Christmas Day was very special as there are two traditions. Kids do not come downstairs until everyone is up and parents say OK. Secondly, only one person opens one present at a time so all can enjoy! This year, Mimi and Papa brought one tradition with them--everyone got a red and checkered pair of PJs to wear Christmas Eve and Day.

One last special event occurred on this Christmas Day. Aaron and Amanda announced to all siblings that they are expecting this July--their first! This was the highlight of our Christmas Day!

During our visit, we did quite a lot that included: to movies to see Yogi; fun at "Jump and Trampoline"; made a Ginger Bread House; ate at Costa Veda, Cafe Rio, and Baha Fresh; attended church; shopping; watched a couple of Blu Ray movies including Percy Jackson and How To Train your Dragon; and played many different Wii games including Harry Potter Leg, Just Dance 2, and bowling. We also spent time at the neighborhood park on a very cool day.

While we were here in Boise, we also decided to celebrate Lori's (March) and the three January birthdays. We did with a large cookie and gifts that included: Derek got scarf, gloves and BSU cap; Maya got a Jewelry cabinet; Lori and Derek got a Food Saver vacuum sealer; and Tutz gave me a Nuvii 1450T with case!

We were a little disappointed that it did not snow on Christmas Day--even though it did back home in Georgia. We did get some snow in Boise --but not much.

Speaking of snow, the roads were snowy in the high altitudes on our way back to Salt Lake City on Tuesday the 28Th--where we checked into the Holiday Inn Express at the airport. We were told that a major snow storm was coming on the day of our flight home--we missed it by an hour so!

Upon arrival in Atlanta around 8:00 EST, Aaron was there to help with baggage and take us home. We were very fortunate as all was well at Little Falls Farm!

As a final note, now that we both are retired, our plans for all future Christmas seasons are to take turns traveling to, and visiting with, all grand kids--present and future--albeit in Kansas, Arlington, Boise, Marietta, and parts beyond. This is fair warning to you all--LOL!

Temple Square in SLC with Christmas lights.

Avery, Maya and Kyle in front of Christmas tree.

Papa and his sweet Maya!

Lori and Derek at Jump and Trampolines.

Lori and Carol at Jump and Trampolines.
Making the ginger bread house.
Papa and his sweet grandkids.
Maya putting finishing touches on ginger bread house.
Avery is to be a cake decorator!
Papa with his English driving cap and Maya and Kyle.


Carol and Lori.
Fondue for dinner on Christmas Eve.
Monitoring Santa on NASA Website.

John and Lori.

Kids ready to open and get their PJs from Mimi.

Kids with their PJs from Mimi.

New PJs for everyone!

Waiting to come down and see what Santa brought.

YEA--Santa was here!

Maya is excited with make-up bag and her own hair dryer.

Kyle got his BMX type bike he had hoped for!

Derek is filming the big event!

Lori also films away.

Handmade figures.

Nativity and figurines were handmade by Aaron and Amanda.

Photo of the sonogram of Amanda and baby.

Maya riding new Raleigh bike.

Avery and new Barbie scooter.

Kyle on new bike with helmet and flipflops.

Maya and Kyle dancing to Just Dance 2 Wii game.

BSU Stadium.

Papa, Mimi, and Mattie.

Birthday Cookie.

John and Nuvii 1450T.

Maya with Jewelry case.

Derek with scarf, gloves and BSU cap.

Was Lori ever surprised with her vacuum sealer.

Carol and Mattie at the SLC airport.

Rockies as seen from 35K feet.

Another jet going in opposite direction.