Darby's Baby Shower weekend

 Aaron and I flew to Salt Lake to spend a few days in Utah because I was hosting a baby shower for Darby. Terry Marchbanks, who is a friend of Darby's from her mission, offered her home to us for the shower. Terry was a senior sister and Darby really adored her while serving in Kirtland. Ashtyn flew in with Anders so that made it extra special for all of us.

Anders is looking pretty excited to fly!

Setting up at Terry's house. Every kitchen needs a safe drawer for the littles :)

The food buffet...Sweet Rolls, breakfast casserole, fruit and a hot cocoa bar.
Terry put together the honey handouts and made the beehive out of donut holes!

Emily, Darby and Kestlee

So glad that Aunt Becky, Cassie, Katie and kids could come.

Kaylee and Darby

Stacey was able to drop by.

Terry Marchbanks, Darby and Sandy Clark
(another senior sister from Darby's mission)

Selfie with Grandma Emma!

The shower was a success and Darby felt loved.
Mission Accomplished!

Time with Papa is always fun!

Ashtyn and Anders stayed with Darby and Trevor. 

Dinner with Dad and Dalynn at Texas Roadhouse.

Quick trip to southern Florida Dec 2021

Aaron had a few more days off of work and we had a clear schedule so we drove to Fort Lauderdale and stayed the night in a hotel. The next morning we drove another hour to Everglades National Park. We only saw a small portion of this huge park but it was nice for us to be outside, enjoying the wonderful weather and seeing the wildlife. We rented bikes and rode the 15 mile loop around Shark Valley which was this part of the park.

can you see the baby alligators in this picture?

views from the visitors tower

it was a bit nerve wracking to have this photo taken because the alligator behind us was facing us.

That afternoon we drove through the hotsy totsy town of Naples.

Naples beach and pier

The 5th Ave of Naples

We drove north to Punta Gorda and stayed in a hotel.
We walked across the street and found and excellent Italian restaurant. 

The next morning we drove to Sarasota and spent a little time relaxing on Lido Key.

That afternoon we had made arrangements for a kayak tour through the mangroves.

our tour guide made a friend

That night I was looking forward to eating at this Amish restaurant.
My review is that the one in Ohio is better.
We came home the next day. Aaron had been fighting a bad cold and so we needed to get him home to rest. Plus, it is always nice to be home!

Christmas time in Utah 2021

 Aaron was working in California the week right before the holidays so he flew into SLC from Orange County and I flew in from Jacksonville. It worked out well that we landed within a few minutes of each other! We decided to come so that we could see some of our family and especially Melynn since she had to work and could not travel to see us in Florida. Darby and Trevor had already made plans in Southern California but we were glad that we could still spend time with them before they made the drive down. 

Aaron and I made our way to Kneaders to kill some time before meeting up with Darby, Trevor and Melynn for some lunch. It was nice to sit by the fire in the best spot in the restaurant. However, I have to admit that the hot cocoa and cinnamon roll were just okay. 

I have wanted to see one of these giving machines for myself so we drove into the city so we could participate in this wonderful charitable event.

We decided on giving some fresh water and a coat to someone in need.

Sunday was the Kendrick Family Christmas party at the Wamsley's. How nice it is of Karen and Jay to often host these family gatherings in their large home.

The next day was the 20th which meant that I turned 50 years old! We met up with this group for dinner and then the Neeley's and Aaron and I went to see the movie Spiderman.

Tuesday, we helped Melynn get more settled in her new apartment. She has such a great set up. She rents the downstairs of a townhouse which gives her her own bedroom, bathroom and living area.

On Wednesday Aaron met up with Billy and his family to ski at Brighton. Melynn was supposed to go but she had a cyst on her back that was hurting and she had to get it drained. She was not able to do these kinds of activities for a little while.

Aaron and I had planned to fly home (standby) on Christmas morning. However, we were hearing reports of lots of cancelled flights so we decided to leave on Christmas Eve instead. It was a miracle that we even got on both of our flights and were able to get home!