More Utah pictures

After the craziness of Christmas settled down, we hit up a bunch of our favorite spots. One day, Kate, my mom, and I headed to Salt Lake to see the decorated "windows" at Grand America. They used to do this at the old ZCMI, and we went there every year on our Christmas trip to Salt Lake, so it was fun to see them again (and of course it was great to be back at Grand America--it brought back so many wonderful memories of our wedding!) We also visited the new French bakery (which is in the space the floral shop used to be) and got some yummy treats.

We then headed to the Spaghetti Factory (of course!) and did some shopping afterward at Trolley Square. Kate then fell asleep, so we figured we should take advantage of the situation and head home (since she, unlike 95% of children, HATES the car, and the ride down was a veritable screamfest), so instead of walking around Temple Square, we just drove around it. We could still see quite a bit, though, and it was beautiful, as always.

We then went to the Christmas Village in Ogden and walked around that. Kate was awake by then, and she absolutely LOVED all the lights and houses. It's so fun to see her get so excited about things!


Before heading to Salt Lake


Love this shot!


Pretty purple girl on Nana's purple couch


Such a pretty girl!


So big!


So big... again!




On the couch at Grand America. She saw some little kids walking by (and she loves other kids), which is why she looks so intrigued.




Grand America--in gingerbread form










At the Christmas Village in Ogden. As a joke, we took Kate's picture next to the Mexican-themed house, since we always laugh that my little baby with the Hispanic last name looks... not Hispanic at all!




In the chair I had my first Christmas


Ok, enough of this chair business


Grandpa's girl

Kate's First Christmas

On Christmas, we did all our "normal" traditions. We got up around 9 and came downstairs to see the "big" presents that Santa left. He gave Kate a really cool scooter/walker thing that she LOVED, and then Nana and Grandpa gave her a Laugh'N'Learn kitchen, which she also really liked. Then we went downstairs, checked out our stockings, and came back upstairs to have breakfast. We then had to take a break for a nap, since Kate was getting crabby (although I was tired, too, so I can't complain that I got to sleep another couple hours!) and then opened all our gifts. It was so fun to be with my family, and everyone gave us such thoughtful, wonderful gifts.




Trying to get the hat off




Checking out our stockings






Riding around on her scooter; she loves it!




Kate apparently does not want her picture taken!




Kate got Jingle, the talking dog. It's so cool; it's voice activated, so you read the story to Jingle, and he responds appropriately.




Hmmm.... what's under all this wrapping?


Yay; I got another piece for our china set!!


Playing with the kitchen with Uncle Austin

Kate's First Christmas (Eve)

We had a wonderful time out in Utah celebrating Kate's first Christmas. We flew in on Thursday, the 23rd, and got in around 9:30 at night. Of course, everyone was thrilled to see little Kate, and she did remarkably well on the flight, thankfully!


At the Madison airport. Don't ask me what is in the background!


In her adorable "My First Christmas" outfit from Tracy




Kate hanging out on my bed at my parents' house on Christmas Eve day


I can't believe how big she's gotten!


Kate and Aunt Nancy before church on Christmas Eve. We had an absolutely delicious dinner, prepared by my dad (who else?) of Sauerbraten and spaetzle and lots of other yummy foods. Then we headed off to the 7 o'clock service, since we figured the 11 o'clock one would be too late for Kate.


My little girl; the best present ever!


Camera-shy, apparently!






Ok, the photo is kind of blurry, but I still love it!




"So big" with Aunt Nancy