Hardware Ranch

Cindy and I had Martin Luther Kings Day off so we decided to take those who could to Hardware Ranch. Shannon, Connor and Payton and Mom and Dad could go so off we went. The day was very nice. It has not snowed for a while. Even though it was cold in the valleys with the temperature inversion, Hardware Ranch was really pleasant for the middle of January. We had to wait in line for a while but it was so pleasant that was not a problem.















The line moved to a point and we thought we would get on but they stopped us because we had too many in the group. It turned to our advantage though because we were the first ones to get on the next ride. The ticket taker asked Payton if she wanted to ride up front with the driver. Of course she said yes to that so Shannon and Payton rode up front. Connor clung to Cindy because he did not want to be up front which worked fine.

Off we went. There are not as many elk this year because most of the snow is already gone up in the mountains even though it is still frozen solid in the valleys. There still were some elk though.

It was a nice ride and a good way to spend the holiday afternoon.

New Years Eve

After a very interesting December with the cold, and the wreck plus trying to do all the Christmas traditions. It was even different. We had been searching for a car to replace the lost Cruiser among all the other things and came across a good deal in West Valley. We went down Monday night to look at it and then the next day on New Year's Eve we purchased it and brought it home. The two and a half hour miracle that afternoon to get the car was interesting but now Maddie has her RAV 4 and the dogs can travel in comfort.

We arrived home just in time to host the party with some of the family. There was food and games and of course at midnight, noise and fireworks. It was a good time for everyone.

Christmas

After the concerts and all the activities throughout the month comes Christmas Eve. We met at the Weavers this year. The air was clear on this day and the sunset beautiful from their balcony.We enjoy getting together as an extended family and eating and then having our Christmas program.

There is the annual pinata that we provide but this time Tony had to hold the stick because I could not.  

That is followed with the Christmas story. This time Payton was an angel. 

The next day was Christmas! Yea! Skyler came over in the morning as we opened presents. It was a wonderful morning with our annual fire in the fireplace and all the wonderful gifts. 

The rest of the family came over around noon and then Connor and Payton received their gift from Maddie; matching jeeps. There was not a lot of room in the house to drive them but they were excited about them. 

After that we went over to Grandma and Grandpa Montgomery's or dinner and time together.

And even some time to rest.