Winter Wonderland SLC Style

This was the first year that we spent Christmas away from home.

It was a lot harder to prepare for than I had anticipated. I guess that's because we were packing for five to go to a totally different climate. Do you have any idea how much laundry that is?

The whole drive was sunny and none of the kids threw tantrums, which is always good. We stayed the night in St. George to break up the trip, and visit with relatives. It was so weird to drive from there to Cedar City and watch the temperature drop 30 degrees in 40 minutes. Brrrr!

The kids were so excited to see snow,and I had forgotten how beautiful Salt Lake is in the winter. I am not a big fan of cold weather, but I had to admit it was a nice change of scenery. It snowed quite a bit while we were there and it was great to have a white Christmas!

I think it took me two days just to warm up. Of course the kids didn't even seem to notice. They were too busy playing in the snow with their cousins. I used the cold as an excuse to drink lots of hot chocolate. I ended up drinking so much that I don't even want to think about hot cocoa and cinnamon rolls until next Christmas!

We did make it downtown to see the lights at Temple Square. It was only 17 degrees that night, so we kind of ran through. Only a couple of family members were crazy enough to go with us. Jake was pretty miserable but he was really glad that I talked him into wearing warmer clothes. He thought he would be fine with just a jacket! I guess that's what 'moms' are for! I love having four kids!

Salt Lake has changed so much. It hasn't been that long since I had been there, but this was the first time that I had ever seen the LDS Conference Center (or the Meganacle as Jake likes to call it). It's pretty impressive. We tried to take a tour but they were just closing for the night. Next time I guess.

It was eerie to see the empty lot where Crossroads Mall used to be. I have so many good memories from that place! I worked there when Jake and I were just dating, and ended up being there for close to three years. Jake was going to the University of Utah and would meet me for my breakfast/lunch/dinner breaks. I think our first year of marriage we were at that Mall more than our own house!

Despite all of the changes it still felt like home.