Shopping, Red Iguana,Temple Square, and Sunday Brunch

We love to go down to Salt Lake and see the lights at Temple Square each December. We can't make the trip any more without eating at the Red Iguana. It is our favorite Mexican restaurant and sometimes we'll eat there 2 or 3 times in a weekend. It is soooo good.

Family Pic

The kids got cold and tired really fast.

This picture was priceless...I loved it.

And then it gets even better. (My kids aren't posers at all!!)

And then even better still!!

Maxxy was loving the horses, but mom wasn't 50 bucks loving them so he didn't get to ride.

The fire pit at Gateway was amazing after we froze at the temple. We got warm, did some shopping, met up with Kona and Jared, and ate lots of junk. Way fun Night!!

Sunday Morning

This is why we get up so early one Sunday each year. We love Sunday Brunch at Little America...Conner can't get enough of the choc. covered strawberries, if you couldn't tell by the picture. He definitely gets his moneys worth just in chocolate and strawberries.

Uncle Cracker obviously goes for the bacon.

The whole fam after stuffing ourselves silly. Ooh but it was soooo worth it.

This is were we found Maxxy hiding out after he got his feel. Wonder what he's doing under there?...

...Brushing his teeth of course. With my tooth brush non the less. If your wondering why I take my toothbrush in my purse...yep it's so I can make it to round 2. Kidding Lexa...I just forgot it at the hotel and had to go back and get it.

The kids got a surprise visitor again and Conner was first to rattle off his list.

Tay got some "Santa Lovin" next and told me that this one was the real Santa.

Maxxy was even happy to see Santa after a little coaxing from Aunt Chalet.

Tanner thought that a DS was worth getting in on the Santa stuff. He bravely asked for his Nintendo and then even smiled for a picture.

We all had fun on our little Trax ride through Salt Lake. I really think the guys enjoyed the waiting the most.

We headed over to the church museum next. We learned that had our family of six headed for America on a boat, this little bunk is where all six of us would have had to sleep. Looks comfy huh? I seriously don't know how they did it.

In the "I Am A Child of God" exhibit we got to dress up like the nativity. The boys didn't even complain...you guys are good sports. That's why we love you so much.

Cody, Tay, and Aunt Chalet had fun at this little stencil table. I think Chalet might have had more fun than the kids.

Cody and Cracker had had enough at this point. They did get some pretty deep conversation going though. It was really fun to learn so much.

This was just a pretty shot of the temple from a window in the museum.

We headed over to the conference center next and the boys loved the fountains.

Too much fun for one weekend. Thanks for the memories everyone, we'll have to do it again next year.

Leaves, Leaves and more Leaves

This year the kids got more leaves than they could handle between cleaning up grandma and grandpa's yard and our own, but they made sure they had fun while they did it. Conner, being the entrepreneur that he is even made of with some good funds from Grandpa Steve.

Tay throwing Dylan into the leaves. He wasn't sure what he liked the leaves at first but he had fun anyway.
Tay and Tanner hiding out...

Max had to try this out too!

"Conner don't throw me in the leaves"...Conner only had to keep throwing him in 30 more times.

Conner hauling the leaves away ...

...and being a good sport to give the kids a ride.

Family Fun Triathlon

Conner and Tay competed in their first triathlon this weekend. The Sports Academy put on a family triathlon so we decided to try it.

Conner, Tay and G-ma Vicki ready to swim.

Conner looking into the water wondering what his Mom has got him into.
Cody helping him break into the chilly water a little faster.
Go Conner...he had to swim 75 yards. He was nervous since this was his first so he decided to use a kick board just in case.


He decided to ditch the kickboard and finished strong!
I unracked the bikes while Conner struggled to get dry socks on his wet feet.
Chalet was Conner's personal transition helper..it is harder than it looks especially when you are trying to hurry. Thanks Chalet!
We biked the 2.5 miles and Conner wasn't sure he still wanted to run. One loud "Come on Conner" from G-ma Vicki got him pumped again.
We hurried to put the bikes away....

...and were off to start our 3/4 mile run.
There we go!
Conner wanted to finish in front of the last runner from the older division so he really kicked it in the end...a little competition is good for ya.
Almost there...
Finally, "I made it"!!

No hugs for his tri partner, but he did give me a high five. Way to go Conner we are so proud of you. That was tough and you were so strong!
OK so here is our 2nd little triathlete. Tay's group started last and she had her G-ma Vicki as her partner and motivater.
I swear the girl had a smile on her face for the whole 50 yard swim.
And they are off to find their bikes.
Cody and the boys helping Tay transition.

G-ma Vicki was good at the transition thing, of course she had Tanner and Maxxy to help her.
There they go... off on their 1 mile bike!
...and here they are finishing strong. Do you think the poor girl needs a more girly bike?! You gotta love Spiderman though.
Cody and Tay are off on their 1/2 mile run. G-ma Vicki pulled something in her leg and wasn't sure she should run on it. Way to tough it out on the bike grandma!
Here comes little Tay...

She was determined to beat this little guy.
Way to go Tay...hugs from g-ma Kathy, Kylee, and G-pa Steve.
Our little athletes enjoying a post race snack. They wondered why it was bananas...I told them they better start loving bananas if they are going to be runners.
Tay sporting her medal. She had the fastest time in her group.
Conner had to check out his medal extra closely to make sure it was OK. We were so proud of these two. They did great and are excited for the next one. I am yet to compete in my 1st since I havn't got the swimming thing down yet, but I am going to compete as the runner for a team tri in a couple of weeks. That should be fun for now! Chalet thanks for all the pics(yes almost 200 of them), and G-ma Vicki thanks for being Tay's support.