A CHRISTMAS OF "FIRSTS"

Terry & I had our first Christmas in many years without the presence of grandchildren, which was sad. We missed and thought about them all. Talking to them, they all had great Christmases, even without us! A first for both of us was spending Christmas in San Diego with Rowdy and Diane. That was a good first. We also went to our first Bowl Game, the Poinsettia Bowl, we rooted for Diane's home team, Boise State, but against the odds they lost, but only by 1 little point. It was much more fun than I anticipated. Terry & Diane are the big football fans so they really enjoyed it, Terry the most. Next "first" involved a trip to the hills along the California/Mexico border where we went for a ride and a little hike. Rowdy tried to lock me in a cell for captured IAs, but I managed to escape! It was interesting to see the Border Patrol at work. Next was a new to us restaurant, The Linkery, for dinner. It was great. Next day, Christmas day, was the first time Terry & I had been on the beach for Christmas. I found a hermit crab (a sure sign of good luck), and had to at least get my feet wet in the Pacific waves. Terry would have if he hadn't been recovering from pnuemonia. Rowdy tried to talk us all into wearing wet suits and going all out, but we weren't having any of that. It was awesome! The day after Christmas, we had to fly home, but before we went to the airport, we had lunch with Diane. After lunch we took a trip to the Museum of Flight & Space (I think that's the name). It is a great place. It rivals the Smithsonian Museum of Same and we spent an entertaining afternoon there. Then as another first for me and for Rowdy, we took a ride in the flight simulator. It was a wild ride. Rowdy piloted us safely off the deck of the aircraft carrier and around the San Diego countryside. This included many steep climbs, nose dives, and barrel rolls which, thanks to the simulator, were very realistic! I think I love to fly upside down and spin over and over. It was the best. Two other firsts for me were playing "Swap" and "Othello", both fun games.

If you ever want to spend a few days with a great couple, have new and interesting experiences, just call up Rowdy and Diane and get ready for the time of your life. Thanks, guys!!!!!

But wait!!! There's more!!!

Towel snaps seem to leave larger welts than the spatula...FYI

ST. GEORGE THANKSGIVING

We had a GREAT time over Thanksgiving weekend in St. George. When we first arrived, it was raining, so we occupied our time cooking dinner, wii-ing, playing a fun dice game where everyone won prizes (great ones, trade show give-a-ways!), and just catching up. We truly missed the one Bricco fam that was missing.

The following day was nicer weather wise, allowing swimming, hot-tubbing, b-ball, and playing at the little park there. I think Craig and boys caught at least 6 trout in the lake adjacent to the condos.
Tyler took us to one of his favorite spots from college days there and it will be a place we all want to go to again. There were so many rocks to climb and so much dirt for kids to play in. In one place, after climbing through a small cave, Craig had to literally drag me and Tory up the last 6 feet as there were no hand or foot holds. Great times.

Even the babies made it to the top. It was a little nerve wracking as they all thought they were mountain goats and were very determined to go everywhere by themselves, especially Krew and Bradlee. She is definitely an outdoor girl.

We had Christa's first birthday party there. Plans for a birthday ride on the Texas Roadhouse saddle were nixed when the wait was nearly 2 hours. We ended up celebrating her birthday dinner in the mall's food court! Yes, this is Bradlee shopping and she does have a credit card in her hand.

It was so beautiful up on the rocks.

Christa was the cutest at her party. She really loved her cupcake...so did everyone else!

The pool had a waterfall which everyone had a blast with.

J & A in Zion's National Park. Another beautiful place. We took a stroller friendly hike there and it was awesome.

Here's Molly and Kole emerging from the narrow slot on the trail to the top of the rocks.

Here's Craig and Bradlee going into the slot.

We got some of the G-kids up on the top of a rock with us in Zion's.

The "babies" had a good time together. They are the best.

On the steps of the St. George temple. It was a beautiful temple on a beautiful day.

We had a puzzle for the down times that was a murder mystery, 2 puzzles, mixed up in one box, with no pictures to help with the construction. Who knew that Craig would turn out to be the puzzle guru!

After Christa' party, the adults played Bunko, thanks to Molly. It was tons of fun. She had prizes for all. We then had an adult dance contest, judged by the kids. It was the funniest thing ever. The look on the kids' faces said, "I thought this was a dance contest!?". They called Molly the winner, but I think we were all real "winners". My video will go into the dark recesses of oblivion for all time. I will leave it up to the winner, Molly to post the videos...trust me, they are blackmail quality.

Terry and I are truly thankful for our family and opportunities to be together in great places and share great times and make memories. The Lord has blessed us beyond our imaginations in a loving, fun, righteous family. We love and miss them all.