VISIT TO SANTA 
So, turns out that Bass Pro Shop is the place to go during Christmas. Who would have thought? There are free crafts, target practice, electric trains, race car tracks to play with and a cool santa with a real beard and a truly jolly nature. He was so sweet with my kids and they just loved him. And they give you a free 5x7 picture too. Luke asked for "Cars with Sleds" (which the only thing that even came close was a specialized Pixar Santacar from the book Mater Saves Christmas. Luke has expensive taste.) And Lucy asked for "a doo hee". (not sure).  Santa told both of them he was really proud of them and they just beamed. This was a fun night.

 Steak and Shake dinner - they gave us cardboard cars for Luke and cool hats.

CHUCK E. CHEESE'S

Thanks to our visit to Chuck E. Cheese's - Lucy has learned the concept of putting coins in slots to make things go.  I think she enjoys putting the coin in more than the actual ride.  She now has obtained the important skill of putting her hand out to us and saying (in a very cute voice) " i wan moneeee!" 

Luke was practicing for disney world on this simulated roller coaster which was 1 token for 2 kids and lasted about 6 minutes - a total bargain. 

UTAH
 As many of you know, I spent the last week of the year in Utah - well I spent most of December there actually.  It was definitely a different New Year's Eve.  We all felt so worn out we celebrated at about 9:30 pm.

Oh and my very sparkliest friend flew in all the way from North Carolina to be there for me.  It meant so much to me. Trisha and her sister Kara came up for a visit and we told all our favorite Sarah stories.

me, Trisha, Jenny & Eliza, Kara, Emily and Star

and the pretty version of us...  I don't think Eliza likes this version of her mom.

HOME ... FOR A DAY

I finally got to come home.  I've been on so many airplanes the last few months, it's all a blur.  So, I got to come home.... for one day --before we packed up and got on another plane to Florida.  I didn't much feel like going anywhere, but so it goes.  Anyway, the one day home was nice.  And the trip ended up being a blessing too.