We spent much of our time (in or out of bed) in Provo Canyon. In attendance: Mom and Dad, the Alaya's, Gerry, Jill, Eli and Jonas, the Hales, Nate, Mindy, Uly and Lucy, the Matt Nielsons, Matt, Tammy, Lilly and Ki-Ki, the Scott Nielsons, Scott, Lorie, Erin and Ian and the Rex Nielsons, Rex, Rhonda and Ava. (Have I missed anyone?)
Thanks for having us Mom and Dad. We love you lots!!
Ava has been eating much better these days. I think we are out of the woods.
Like a true Southern gal, Ava enjoys a big spoonful of butter.
We had a mini Christmas at home. Ava opened her present to me. A figurine of Bambi. A little reminder of her sweet childhood innocence.
She liked her kitty keyboard and her little cook set.
She liked the cookware best of all.
I always love the Christmas mess. It is a happy mess.
We had a good trip to Utah. Ava was great on the plane. Here she is at Dallas/Fort Worth on a layover. They have playgrounds there. Genius!
The day after our arrival, we drove to Layton for a visit with Santa at my Aunt Joni's house. It is very close to Antelope island on the Great Salt Lake. We had a look see.
It was cold, but Ava was happy to be out of the car.
Looking at nature.
Mommy and Ava on a pretty Utah, December day.
Daddy drives us out across the causeway.
An Antelope Island buffalo.
Ava looks out at the Great Salt Lake from the island.
Lots to explore.
One last look. So pretty.
Ava visits with her Great-Grandma Bubak.
A little face time with Uncle Rory. (Rhonda's brother)
Watching the Grinch with uncle Rory.
Over to Aunt Joni's for the festivities. Ava is not going for this Santa guy.
Okay, wait a minute. He gives you stuff?! Kitties even?!! This changes everything.
I don't know what these are, but I'll take three please.
Back in Provo Canyon the next day.
Cousin Jonas, cousin Lucy and Ava.
Grandma and Ava watch the Advent calendar together.
I love Ava's expression here. "Look what I can do!"
With all this help, I'll never get this package wrapped.
If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. We all get a little silly with the wrapping.
Jonas gets in on the act.
Eli gets hugs from Grandma.
Rub-a-dub-dub. Ava, Eli and Jonas in a tub.
There are some who do not like to pose for pictures. Cousin Uly and Jonas are such creatures. Chin up guys. :)
Cousins Lucy, Lilly and Jonas. The trio together again.
Why do I get the feeling that Lucy would like to be doing something besides sharing a seat with the baby.
Ki-Ki was a very nice kitty. Were so glad Matt and Tammy and Lilly brought her.
Ava took an instant liking to Uncle Matt. (Rex's brother)
Loves for Uncle Matt.
Gerry and Eli sit together. Eli loves his Daddy.
Ava running through the house.
This could be bad. Lucy jumped over me thank goodness.
Lilly runs through the house.
Uly and Lucy laughing.
Ava was so impressed with Lucy and Lilly's jumping skills. It went on for some time and we took lots of pictures.
This looks high fashion to me.
Creative poses.
What a sad little face Lu-Lu. Life can be so unfair. We've all been there.
Eli opens a present on pretend Christmas Eve. (23rd) The Ayala's leave for CA the next day.
The great cousin round up.
The kids gather round for the Christmas program. I let Ava play in just her diaper. I could tell she wasn't feeling well. Little did I know. Poor baby was pretty sick for 3 days. She's okay now! :)
Auntie Jill hold's Ava. (Rex's sister)
The grandkids make requests and Grandma plays the guitar.
The traditional puppet show. Everyone gets into the act.
Ava unwraps "The Twelve Bots of Christmas." Love the book Nate. Good job!
Ava takes a close look at cousin Ian's tattoos. Interesting.
Getting to know each other.
Jonas shows us his super cool spider robot!
Andrea sent us all pretty scarves from Australia. We assmble for a group photo. But first, some shinanagins.
Mindy-Loo-Who.
Merry making.
Got it. Group photo. Thank you to Andrea from ALL of us. xoxo!
Christmas morning. I see two sleepy heads.
Still trying to wake up.
The view from the kitchen. Mount Timp. on Christmas morning.
The twins together for a photo! Cousins Erin and Ian hug it out.
Silliness.
Everybody gathers round to Skype the Thaynes. Love you guys!!
Ava trys out grandma's new sled.
Relaxing.
Papa Scott and Erin. (Rex's brother and niece.)
The Scott Nielsons gather for a game. The one that shocks you. (I don't think it's so bad. :)
Cascade Mountian.
Canyon trail.
Stairway to Heaven ice climbing route.
Bridal Veil Falls.
Cliffs of Cascade Mountain.
Provo River.
Mount Cascade again.
Mount Timpanogos at sunset. Elevation 11,749 ft. Many a Nielson has climbed to the top.
We went to the BYU campus to see the Carl Bloch exibit, which was BEAUTIFUL. We didn't use a flash at that showing and the pictures didn't turn out. However, we did find a fun interactive installment downstairs. I see this picture as a funny metaphor. It's red and green and it looks like a virus under a microscope. The Christmas pestiferous got us good.
Driving to the airport on our last day, via Park City. These trees are near the shore of Deer Creek Reservoir. Amazing!
Winter wonderland.
Bye, bye Utah.
We love you all and wish you all the best in the new year. Keep in touch!
