New Car

We drove out from Georgia in our van. Before we went to Idaho, we switched cars at Mike’s brother’s and dad’s car lot so we could have a four wheel drive up to the cabin. They had their mechanic look at our van while we were in Idaho. We had a few little problems with our van, so we were excited to have those looked at. We were shocked to have Steve tell us that our van was a lot worse off then we thought. They were worried it would break down when we drove back across the country. They gave us the car we have been driving. Which is a great car. A lot newer then our van. I know I should just feel excited and grateful, but I am so sad about this. I loved my van. We got it two weeks before Stockton was born. I wasn’t ready to give it up. I know it’s ridiculous to feel disappointed about a new car, but I didn’t want a new car. I just wanted ours. I don’t do well with change, even if it is probably for the best. I do appreciate Mike’s family and all they do for us, I just don’t want them to have to do it for us. I know it doesn’t make any sense. Oh well.

We went and saw my Grandma and Grandpa Millburn today. My grandpa is 95. My grandma is 91. My grandpa promised me he would make it to 100. I wish we could see them more often. The kids were pretty behaved. They all wore their Christmas outfits that Grandma gave them. Cathy picked them out since it is hard for Grandma to get out now. I wanted her to be able to see what she had given the kids.

Grandpa, Grandma & Marie
Preston getting his 'Marie fix'.
Stockton adores Marie as well.

We spent New Years’ Eve at Steve and Shannon’s house. It was relaxing and very enjoyable. The best part of the night was when Lisa and Nathan’s family came over. They came straight from the airport to see us. We played games and at midnight there was a lot of silly string. Steve and Shannon are going to find random string around their house for days!

Clay and Cards

Today I had a relaxing day of laundry. Mike had a relaxing day of taking two finals. He received an A- in one class, the other class is teacher graded. Now he just has his end of experience class (he has to write two papers). Sherry was nice enough to drive down to see us. She was also nice enough to give me a box of clothes. I love Sherry clothes. I hate shopping. She was also nice enough to do handprints for Marie. Thanks Sherry! The girls always love it when Sherry lets them dabble in clay.

We had a really fun night. Scoop came over and played games with the kids. They loved it. They played Old Maid and King Toad. After the kids were in bed, we played Hearts and Mormon Bridge until one in the morning. I hope I can make it until midnight tonight!

Jazz

We left the cabin today. I love the cabin. It is the last memory I have from my childhood. Back when life was perfect…before I knew how cruel life could be. Don’t get me wrong, I love my life now. It is practically perfect. I just wish I could experience my mother with my kids. She would have been an amazing grandma. My kids would have loved her. I know that we will see her again and blah, blah, blah. That is great. I’m happy about that…but sometimes I want her now. I feel we got ripped off. Mostly, I just miss her. Anyway, I love the cabin. It is a place I feel I belong.

We drove back to Utah today. Dropped the kids off at Steve & Shannon’s house, then Mike and I dashed to the Jazz game. Steve & Shannon gave us their Jazz tickets for my birthday. It was so fun to watch the game so close. Only once have I had a better seat. When I was in 9th grade, I was able to watch the Jazz game in the Salt Palace from under the basket. I didn’t sit on a seat, I sat on the basket. I almost got ran over by Karl Malone. It was incredible.
The game was a blow out. Pretty fun to watch though. It was weird, there were so many people I didn’t recognize. We don’t get a chance to watch many games in Georgia. I thought Knight was funny. “He’s got those eyes…well, I can’t do it.” The game was amazing. Thanks to my super-nice brother-in-law for the ticket. We had a great time. It almost makes up for him dominating me in cards when we got back to their house.

This is the Life

We had a great day sledding. It snowed all day long. It was the biting kind of snow, so that was too bad. We went to the Springs. Jorja went down by herself. She did great! She was really good at steering. Maysen spent most of the day skiing again. Stockton skied as well. He also spent a lot of time sledding at the Springs. Mike was outside almost constantly.

Preston loves baby Marie. He wants to hold her all the time. I’m exhausted, but we have had a fun couple of days.

Jorja loves her crown and "no hole" earrings that Marie gave her.
Matt fell asleep holding Marie. Too funny.
Maysen loved playing Pillage and Plunder. She has always liked the game, but this trip she loved it.

Happy Birthday!

Today is my birthday! Happy birthday to me. I had a great day today. It is always a great day at the cabin. My two favorite places in the world to visit are my grandma’s house and my family’s cabin.

We played in the snow all day long. Maysen skied down the hill for hours. Stockton had great fun racing with my brothers. Jorja and I sled for a long time, and Preston loved being outside. He fell asleep on the snowmobile…so cute. Mike had fun working on his rope tow.

Jorja & John

Jorja & Matt

The Fuller’s came up for the day. Brooke brought birthday pie. Rachel made an icecream cake. Yummy! Yummy! My dad and John came up for the day. They got here at 3:00 in the morning. It was great to spend time with them. They had to leave tonight so John could get to work tomorrow. We just got a call saying they were in a car accident. That’s too bad. I feel really bad about that. At least they aren't hurt.

Cabin

We made it to the cabin! The roads were still closed in the morning. Terry dropped by and was going to go the long way to the cabin. We jumped in the car and followed him up. It took us three hours. Terry drove three hours up to the cabin to drop off a snowmobile, he helped us open the cabin and then he turned around and drove home. That was very kind of him. My family is amazing. There is so much snow here. It is great! Right now there is a pirate game going on. Brett, Rachel & Marie are here. So is Bubs, Ange, Lincoln & Ella. (Insert funny pirate saying)

Jorja meets Marie

Maysen, Marie!

Christmas...for Real

We woke up and had Christmas with Grandma & Grandpa. I was so happy to be with them.

They gave the kids some money. Happy, happy children.

We had breakfast with Grandma & Grandpa, then our plan was to take off to the cabin. The only problem was, Mike locked the keys in the car. We had to have a locksmith come over on Christmas morning to help us out. Finally, about 11:30, we were on our way. But…the roads were closed. We just missed it! On the plus side, we got to stay an extra day with Grandma & Grandpa.

Jorja had a fun time making an ABC book for Grandma & Grandpa. We also went over to John & Renee’s for dinner. Jorja loves meat.

Shocking Skiing

Mike took Maysen and Stockton skiing today. It was Stockton’s first time. He loved it…although if you ask him he will say he didn’t have any fun. I guess they went one run too many.

We were able to go to the Parry family Christmas Eve dinner this year. The last time we made it, Stockton was a baby. I was excited to see everyone, but it seems like I didn’t get to see anyone. Time went so fast, before I knew it the day was over.

The big hit of the night was the shocking machine. Two people hold a paddle while they get shocked. Whoever can hold on the longest is the winner. Crazy! Stockton was so funny. He was undefeated playing against me, Jorja & Kanyon. Then Travis wanted to play him. Stockton was so worried about losing. I could barely watch him. He refused to let go. Towards the end, he was screaming, “I want this to end!” Travis and Stockton both held on until the shocking machine gave up. Stockton is so proud of himself. He talked about it all night long…then said he was sure Travis was talking about it too.

Kaydra is having as hard of a time as watching as I am! Travis knew the machine was about to give up, so he is encouraging Stockton to hold on. Crazy boys.

We watched a movie with Grandma & Grandpa about World War II. It was very interesting and I hope it never happens again. (The war, not the movie). I use to ask my mom about my Grandpa's experiences. She would tell me that Grandpa doesn't like to talk about it. I felt honored to listen to his stories. I'm amazed and very thankful that he made it out alive.

We're in Idaho

We are now in Idaho. We are staying at my grandma’s house. I love it here. Before we left, the kids had a great time in the snow. Preston even agreed to keep his gloves on.

Let it Snow!

I am so glad we got here yesterday. We had perfect roads the entire way. Today, it snowed all day. The kids had a lot of fun playing with their cousins. Preston was so excited to go outside. He looks so tiny in this big, big world.
Maysen played with Preston for a long time outside. He had a blast with her.

Jorja was so happy outside. "Why can't it snow in every state?"

Stockton enjoyed the snowball fight. They spent 30 minutes preparing.

Today Shannon asked me if I wanted to go to her haircut appointment with her. When we got there she said, "This is my sister-in-law. She hasn't cut her hair in two years, can you fit her in?" It's not like I have anything against haircuts, I just don't like making the appointments. After my haircut, Shannon asked if they would put make-up on me. Jorja asked why I had blue on my eyes. I asked her if she liked it. She said, "Not much" in a super disgusted voice. After our haircuts, we went to pay when Shannon discovered she "conveniently" left her money home. I was teasing her, "Sure...let's go get haircuts...Now I see why you brought me along!" It was lucky I had my card with me. I don't think we would have done a good job working off our bill!

We Made It!

Today we were in Texas, New Mexico, Colorado & UTAH!!! For the record, Stockton now hates New Mexico. It seemed like we would never get out of that state. Here is a picture of me driving through Southern Utah. Mike liked how you could see the red rocks under a blanket of snow. The kids were so good on the trip. We had no fighting, no puking and very little crying. Most of the crying was done by Preston when he would have to be strapped back in the car. Couldn't really blame him. Mike did have to threaten Stockton & Maysen with the worst punishment he could think of. They would have to write a fan letter to Miley Cyrus, send it to her and post it on their blog. Maysen & Stockton turned into angels. We went straight to my dad's house. My dad and Cathy gave each of the kids a book. They also got cute clothes from my Grandma Millburn.
Stockton is looking at the book Poetry Speaks to Children. He is testing my dad on his knowledge of the poem Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost.

We were able to see Matt & John at my dad's house as well. That was great. Hopefully I'll get to see John again on this trip. We left my dad's house and are now at Steve & Shannon's house. Our children enjoy their cousins so much. Stockton & Brandon are funny. They think they look so much alike that they can trick people. Stockton was calling me Aunt Stephanie and Brandon was calling me mom. What ever makes you happy kid.