Idaho Trip - January 2-4, 2009

The weather finally cleared & the freeway opened long enough for a quick weekend trip home. Grandma & Granddad came along for the ride and we got into Eagle late Friday night. Early Saturday morning we participated in my niece's blessing - Ellie is 3 months old, but she waited until Kim's family (in Eagle) and Deven's family (up from Albuquerque) could all get together. Kim did a beautiful job on the dress! We had a houseful too! Here is just the Simpson side of the family.

Standing: Kristen & Clay. Jake, Carlee, Christy & Kurt. James, Bree (Kim's) & Jessi. Ellie, Kim & Deven.

Sitting on the back of the couch: Aspen (Kristen's), Tyler (Kurt's), and Carter (Kim's)

Sitting: Emma (Kristen's), Grandma and Granddad. Mom, McKayla (Kim's), & Dad

After the blessing, we got in an afternoon of skiing at Bogus Basin - that means that Grandma and Granddad and Mom stayed home with the smallest munchkins and the rest of us met up with Jed's family on the ski hill for a chilly afternoon.

Christy, Oma & Jake preparing for a quiet afternoon.

James & I got to ski with McKayla, Hannah & Hallie on chair 1 for our first run. We skied through the terrain park - the girls wanted to do the jumps at the beginning of each of the rails) and down Shaker's Ridge. By the time we got to the bottom, they were ready for a hot chocolate break. So James headed out on his own & I got the girls back inside. As soon as I had adult backup, I met up with James for a few runs before we had to come inside to ward off frostbite on our toes. We did get in few more runs with Dad - and then hurry and pack up because our ride had cold, tired kids to take home.

McKayla (Kim's)

Hallie (Jed's)

Hannah (Jed's)

Sunday we went to our old Eagle 3rd ward - Kim & Deven's new ward. Then on the road back to Utah. It was a very very very quick trip, but we're so glad we could go!