CHRISTMAS TRAVELS-WHEW! WHAT A BUSY TIME!

BYU LAS VEGAS BOWL - On December 21, Don and I began our Christmas travels by flying to Las Vegas for the BYU/Oregan football game. It was fantastic since we won 38-8 and we had Ryan, Nicole, Justin, Marilee, Spencer, Annie, Greg and MarJane with us. It was a close call getting Marilee and the kids out of Denver before the airport closed because of the blizzard, but they made it and were able to join us for the game. We all had such a great time attending the tailgate party and running into old friends and even some relatives. Following are some pictures taken at the game.

Here are Mar, Nic and kids all decked out in their BYU stuff.

The kids with Cosmo, a must-have picture for any true BYU fan!

Annie wrapped in a blanket. It was so COLD!!

Spencer and Grandad enjoying a hot chocolate.

The Ryan Miller Family enjoying the game.

Nana and Grandad trying to stay warm.

Last, but certainly never least, we have Grandma and Papa snuggling Annie.

CHRISTMAS IN "CAGO" WITH THE BRINKS - Our next stop was Chicago where we spent a "brown" Christmas with Julie, TJ and the kids. It was such a nice time. Julie sang in church on Christrmas Eve day and Don and I both were pleased that our investment in voice lessons for her truly has paid off, as she has such a lovely voice. The kids were so excited and we had a nice turkey dinner with our family and some friends of Julie and TJ's. Steve and Brooke Van Koman are a nice couple with four cute kids. We felt we had known them forever. Steve served his mission in Haiti, so what else do we need to say. Christmas morning was so nice and I must say that Heather and Julie really surprised us with an edited, bound, copy of our Haiti letters. It was such a labor of love and I cried all morning whenever I looked at it. Thank you so much girls!

Jackson with his new bike. It is really cool and with no snow he was able to give it a try.

Natalie surrounded by her stuff. She got some cool stuff!

Brady trying out his new tricycle. He feels like quite a big boy on his big boy trike.



PHOENIX HERE WE COME - On Christmas night we all flew to Phoenix to spend a few "warm" days over the Holidays. Although it wasn't swimming weather, the kids were able to feed the ducks and we had a fun time.

Nanny Rae Rae with her bread.

Walking to the duck pond.

SEATTLE HERE WE COME - On December 28th, Don, Julie and I left for Seattle to attend the wedding of our niece, Leslie Scadlock, in the Seattle Temple. TJ stayed in Phoenix with the kids and we so appreciated his willingness to do so, so Julie could come with us to the wedding. It was such a nice affair and we are so happy for the Scadlock family and especially for Leslie. She has had a rough couple of years with a new baby and then a divorce. Her new husband seems like a wonderful young man and he loves her little boy, Aidan, who is 15 months old and just the most adorable little guy you've ever seen. Anyway, it was a quick trip, but well worth the effort. Congrats and best wishes Leslie and Lee. We love you!!

The new little Rushton family. Leslie just glowed and even Aidan seemed to know what what happening.

Jim and Sherri with the thumbs up sign. A happy, happy occasion for the parents!

Here we are, the world, or at least the North American travelers.

Don, Me, Lori, Sherri, Jim and Mom (with her eyes closed). Sorry Mom!

Darrin, looking handsome in his Marine dress uniform, and his proud Aunties.

And, of course, the proud grandma with her handsome Marine grandson!