Las Vegas 2020

The day after Christmas we left Utah and drove to Las Vegas. Mom and Ken had just moved in the week before. We were anxious to get there to help out because they had a HORRIBLE experience with the movers. They didn't unpack everything, ruined some furniture and even left some heavy items in the garage! Fortunately, Dave and Kristi were able to rush down after hearing the news and helped them for a few days. ALSO- On Christmas Eve mom was at the grocery store and someone stole her phone/wallet. So when we arrived, not only were we trying to assist with the house but also helping mom take care of banking business, DMV, and getting her a new phone. We were non-stop busy and wanted to make sure that by the time we left on New Years Eve that they were much more settled.

Remember how I mentioned that the movers did a terrible job? Well, we were slightly moving moms sideboard table when it came crashing down and ruining about 20% of her crystal. Come to find out that the movers never put the center supporting legs on to the furniture.

We were all just so upset and especially after such a bad week. The Aaron determined that he would fix the furniture piece and he did! This made Mom and Ken so happy because they really loved this piece. Even though we could replace some of the crystal, we were able to buy a new glass shelf and
installed it right before we left town.

Photo of my hand injury as a result of when the furniture crashed down.

All fixed!

Super Aaron cleaned out the garage and made everything look so neat and tidy!

Super Aaron hung lots of pictures.

But the coolest thing that Aaron did was build mom this laundry storage and sink! About 100 trips to Home Depot and the end result looked awesome!

I helped decorate:)

 Before leaving Utah, we dropped Jaxon and Melynn off at the SLC airport so they could fly to Sacramento. Dad and Laurie picked them up and brought them to their house. Dad was giving Melynn his Toyota Highlander! After a little visit, Melynn and Jaxon drove to Vegas to meet us there. 9 hours later and they arrived safe and sound. Melynn was planning to then drive it to Provo when we left for Florida. Melynn's friend Eme suggested that she fly to Vegas instead of Provo (after spending time with her family in Washington state) so she could drive up with Melynn. What a wonderful friend!!! So the day Eme arrived in Vegas, they went on a hike in the Red Rock Canyon. That afternoon the girls left for St. George to hang with John and Geri and then the next day went on another hike and then headed home.

Utah Christmas 2020

 We had planned well in advance to go to Utah over Christmas. Melynn and Jaxon loved their time there during Christmas a couple of years ago and wanted to do it again. We flew out on the 19th because the 20th was the Kendrick family Christmas party and this would be the first one we attended since Ashtyn's baby blessing 26 years ago!!!

We took a couple of photos on Karen's balcony. Snow Basin is just a few minutes away!

Karen, our gracious host.

Dad recited a favorite childhood song.

On Monday, Aaron took Jaxon out running errands so they could go shooting 

that afternoon. I took Melynn to Provo so she could have a job interview. 

Little did we know when we booked this trip that she was actually going to 

live in Provo since school was online.

Tuesday these 3 hit the slopes!

Chase took the kiddos out on Jays side by side.

Wednesday, Nathan joined in on the skiing.

After skiing, we met Dave and Kristi down in SLC to have dinner and do some shooting.  Not my favorite activity because the A/C was busted in our area and it was blasting cold air!!!!

Nathan is quite a sharp shooter :)

On Christmas Eve, we visited grandma Emma. They could only allow 2 visitors at a time so Jaxon and I waited for our turn to visit. Grandma is doing so well and they seem to take such great care of her.

Christmas morning I woke up super early so these would be ready for the family before everyone headed out skiing. Of coarse, they opened up their stockings first.

This is what my day looked like!

Trevor's 2nd time ever skiing. He did really well!

That night we went to see Wonder Woman at the theaters.
 They spaced us out so well that I was not worried at all. The next day we drove to Vegas.

Melynn's homecoming and family reunion!

In anticipation of Melynn's return, Ashtyn and the kids arrived early to spend some extra time with us before everyone else arrived. We put Aaron's Birthday off a few days so that we could celebrate with them. Ashtyn helped me make a oreo crust, vanilla bean cheesecake and it was good!

Happy 51 Sweetie!

The kids were entertained by the ginger bread house they were decorating.
Thank you Costco :)

Trying to get Marion to keep the little clips in her hair.

The moment we have been waiting for....Melynn's homecoming!

We had a delay in Melynn's flight due to some miscommunication from her leaders. However, we were aware earlier in the day so fortunately we didn't have to wait at the airport for too long.

After the airport, we drove straight to Pres. Bennion's home so he could release Melynn as a missionary. 

One day we spent the afternoon at the Alligator Park

This years family puzzle

It was nice to have some chill time with Melynn now that she is home safe and sound.

Getting some decent pictures is always a challenge but we did have fun with it!

This one made our Christmas card that we sent out to a few family members. With social media these days, sending out cards has become somewhat a thing of the past for me. 

Marion is growing up so fast!

We ventured out to Micklers to hunt for shark teeth. Here Melynn is rescuing Charles' bucket.

On our way to get some good BBQ

We played lots of games this week and Charles became an expert in Battleship & Kids of Carcassonne.

Charles loves it when Papa reads to him.

Sunday was Melynn's homecoming address. Jaxon had to miss it due to a Christmas concert that he had to perform in. We would be attending that the following evening ourselves.

Melynn gave a wonderful talk! I am so deeply proud of her and the growth she has made in the last year and a half. I am so grateful for the sacrifice she made in sharing the good news with others.