NEW YEAR'S

This year since Kellen automatically had the time off for the holidays, we decided to try to visit family if I could get some time off. Well, I did get time off and we got to do a real quick, but great visit to family out west.

Given the time of year, cheap tickets were not easy to come by, and buddy passes would have been almost impossible to use. So we had to do some negotiating with family to get to see everyone and save as much money as possible.

We started out saving a couple hundred dollars by flying out of Chicago and into Salt Lake City. So the Monday after Christmas we packed up and drove to Kellen's sister's house in Chicago as soon as I got off work. I had a hard time sleeping in the car and staying awake while there, but at least Shade got to see his cousins for the day. The next morning we got up very early (3:00 Chicago time) to catch a flight to Utah. Thanks for driving Derek!

Crazy Cousins - Shade & Dallin


We then got picked up by Kellen's sister Janica and got to see her 3 adorable kids, and drove out to Kellen's dad's house-Grandpa & Grandma Wilson! Unfortunately, Kellen's step-mom's dad passed away on Christmas (Grandpa Paul). I am glad I got to know him a bit before he left us. Other than that, it was great to see the cousins and grandparents.

Anela & Shade (& Gerry), Switching coats

Cousins

Grandma & Grandpa Wilson


The next day we picked up my dad and neice Lily and we drove from Salt Lake City to Reno, Nevada. My dad's wife (Cheryl aka Grandma Roundy) was supposed to drive out with us, but she was having some medical complications and was not fit to travel. So we reluctantly left without her. Other than that, it was a nice drive. Kellen and I both miss the mountains. But we got to stay at my sister Cristi's house and got to visit with all the Reno cousins/aunts/uncles. We even got to visit Lake Tahoe. We had a Christmas and New Year's with everyone there as well. And since my brothers got an air hockey/pool table, there was a lot of game playing too. It was very nice to visit with everyone.

Lily, Pam's Family

Lake Tahoe-Cotas

Redheads

Dad, Siblings

Grandpa Roundy, Doug's Family


Sleepover, Cousins



After New Year's, we drove back out to Salt Lake City and spent the night with Kellen's mom. His sisters Janica and Genasee came over to visit. Shade got to do a lot with Grandma Nikolaus-feed goats, chase turkeys, play with a big train, and even ride a pony.




Shade trying to rub feathers in my face, His meltdown after too much time-changing

Grandma & Grandpa Nikolaus (not too much of a smiler by that point)


The next day we were supposed to fly back to Chicago, but we wanted to see Grandma Roundy at the hospital first. So we slept at my sister Teresa's new house (across the street from Liberty park, very nice place). We then got to go up to the Huntsman Cancer Center to visit her. We love her so much, we are so glad to have her in our family. She really makes a great addition to our family.

Aunt Teresa, Caydent's fun face :)

Grandma & Grandpa Roundy




Then we flew back into Chicago (thanks Colby & Derek!) and got to spend one more day with Kellen's sister's family. Then we drove back home. I love visiting, but I also like being back home.

Jumping-one of Shade's favorite reasons to visit the Chicago cousins.