Did you hear hell froze over?

The title seemed to be appropriate in a strange way. We were hit hard with snow. It was crazy! Brian bought me a new car last Christmas that had never been tested in the snow. It's a rear wheel drive Dodge Charger. I think I must have gotten stuck 20 times on our trip to the kid's doctor appointment and back. I also did a 260. No, not a 360, that would have been easy to get out of. I now know the meaning of Brody's name. It wasn't fun. I thought I was an experienced Utah snow driver - but not in this car!!! Our yard suffered too. Our favorite tree couldn't withhold the weight of the snow and broke. Motorists were stranded and major roads closed. I guess I always took snowplows and snow melt for granted in Utah. I will never complain of salt ruining my car wash again when I visit home.
This was our back yard:

I took a picture with my cell phone through the car window.

Nora was afraid to go outside because she hasn't experienced snow or even much rain here. Rachael and Brody loved it and were so sad when it melted.

We spent Christmas in Draper. The kids were so cute taking care of the "baby Jesus" doll.

Dad read the Christmas story.

Mom read "The Night Before Christmas".

The kids sat on a couch together without fighting for the first time.

Grandpa liked the beanie I made to cover the hole in his head.

We enjoyed visiting Grandma and Grandpa F.

Mom did a wonderful job on the annual "Family Party" at This Is The Place Heritage Park. We had a live nativity (animals included).

Per tradition, Redberry visited...

Rachael,

Brody,

and Nora.

It was wonderful to visit friends and family. The kids got pink eye so we didn't get to visit as many family members as we would have liked to.

We spent New Years weekend back home working in the yard. The previous owners put a pool in the middle of a forest. The pool guy said it was either the pool or the trees - we just couldn't have both. Brian cut down at least 10 damaged and overgrown trees. The 20 yard dumpster in our driveway was overflowing when he was finished. He's such a hard worker and is really getting this place into shape. We still have many trees on the other side of our yard and we kept all the palms.

Brody is heart broken that the holidays are over. Not necessarily the Santa and gift part. He misses the Christmas songs, the tree, snow, decorations, Christmas dishes, lights, parties, etc . He mentions it every day. He is starting to be a very sensitive and sentimental boy. I love him so much. I love Rachael and Nora. I love Brian. I love all my family.

We look forward to the new year and wish all our loved ones a wonderful 2009!