Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Christmas Vacation to NM

My parents bought a ranch in NM a little over a year ago and the entire family met up there for Christmas. We weren't missing a single person which is a downright miracle for my family. My oldest brother and his wife had been preparing to go to the temple. They were kind enough to make it easy on all of us and had the sealing performed in the Gila Valley Temple which is closest to my parents while we were all together. It was an amazing and beautiful experience to be a part of.



The ranch was beautiful! 80 acres of open range.


We spent the days shooting targets...


Going on tons of 4wheeler rides... the trails on the land were pretty awesome.

 We also did some "ranch work". Jace collected chicken eggs each morning with Grandma. Nate helped chop wood. The guys worked on tractors and dug up dirt (manly stuff)!


 We took Hagrid with us (which by the way, he did amazingly well with a 20hr drive and staying in hotels). He had a great time with all the other dogs. We had 10 total at one point because all my siblings brought their dogs with them too.



We spent an evening making Christmas ornaments. I thought they turned out really cool. Just beads and safety pins!


This one is Jace's







Reagan really took to his Aunt P. It may have been all of the fudge she was feeding him but he sure did like hanging out with her.




We had Mexican Food for almost every meal. It was amazing! That is one thing I really miss about being away from home is all of the Mexican food. I may have gained about 100 pounds while I was there but it was totally worth it!


 The kids opened up new Pajamas on Christmas eve. Christmas morning was fun but it was too crazy to get any good pictures. (try throwing all these families into one room with everyone opening gifts at the same time and yes.... it did get pretty crazy...)



We took some time to take family pictures on Christmas day.

My parents and siblings


The entire clan!


Grandkids


 And... Mom and Dad.


4 comments:

Globe Trotters said...

Your family is so grow up, so many little kids! I remember your little brothers being that age! How fun for your parents to get a ranch in NM. Glad you had a good Christmas!!! ~ Ayrel

Hil said...

Your little boys are absolutely adorable! Christmas's with the entire family together can be crazy, but they are definitely the best and most memorable. How fun is it that Nate and Jer ran into each other in St. George?? Such a fun coincidence. I hope your little guy is feeling better!

charli joiner said...

Hey aunt birdy did u put the pictures of ke on here??

Kristen and Andrew said...

Fun!!! Good to see the fam all grown up!!