A Series

Inspired by other blogs, and since nothing interesting ever seems to happen in January, I am starting a three part series of our family's favorite things. Oprah style, if you will. First up: Anna Mekel.

Swimming at the YMCA

Jeff had the day off for MLK Jr. day so after a yummy hot breakfast (thanks Jeff!) we relaxed and enjoyed just kind of hanging around. We originally wanted to take a drive out to the mountains, but after an 11 degree night and a projected 34 degree high, we decided it would be kind of pointless.

Instead we made plans with the Nelsons and Shermans. We first went to Cheeburger, Cheeburger, and got some dinner. Then we headed across the street to the Y to swim. Unfortunately Nate had to study so the Shermans stepped out early.

Swimming was a blast. I thought Anna might be a little nervous swimming since it's been since summer since she's had a swim. She proved me wrong, though, and jumped right in the deep end with Daddy. We spent the rest of the time jumping off the side, throwing Anna around, and giving many piggy-backs through the water. So fun!

Daddy and Anna

Just about to jump in.

The Nelsons: Stacie, Kevin, Lindy, & Maylie

My Favorite shot: The girls were laughing so hard while they splashed their feet.

Anna Mekel 21 months

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In a Tight Spot

I was determined one day to get Anna down for a "normal" nap while staying at my parent's house. Anna had been up late the last three nights and we had skimped on the naps. Needless to say, she needed sleep. After enduring her crying and calling for Mommy for about 45 minutes, and feeling quite defeated in my resolve, I caved and went in to try and convince Anna to go to sleep.

This is what I found:

Anna immediately stopped crying, held up her supposed accomplishment, and stated the obvious, "Diaper, mommy." Yes, I see that. After taking off her pants, removing her wet diaper, and attempting to put her pants back on, she found herself a little immobile. No wonder she had been calling out for me. Sorry, Anna. Next time, hold on to your britches, I'll be coming.

The Utah Children's Museum

A couple of days after Christmas Jeff, Anna, and I went
to the new children's museum at the Gateway with Jeff's sisters, their kids, and his mom. We had a GREAT time. I highly recommend the museum. Anna had such a fun time. Her favorite part was, surprise, the living room of the play house where the BOOKS were. She was so excited to find them. She gathered all the picture books up and then went through them one by one.

A close second was the water exhibit. It was only after Anna was wet up to her elbow and all down the front that we realized there were water aprons available to avoid exactly that. Normally not a big deal but when it's 19 degrees out...



At the end of the day it didn't matter because we had such a great time with everyone. We only wish we could make it a regular outing. Ahhhh, the woes of living 2000 miles away from family.

Christmas with the Sollis'

Christmas Day was spent with the Sollis side of the family. We started out with Debbie's world-famous breakfast. We always look forward to going to her house every other year. It was great to spend time with the Muirs. I especially enjoyed hearing about every one's work Christmas parties. Ahhhh, the humor of drunken professionals...it's just so entertaining.

We went back to the Sollis' house later that afternoon to open gifts with all Jeff's siblings. My favorite gift, by far, was the beautiful chicken wall hanging that was passed down to me. I can't believe that Larry and Marlene would entrust me with this:

This will definitely have a prominent place in our home. (Ask me sometime about the story surrounding this work of art, it's pretty comical.)

After gifts we headed to Grandpa J's to meet back up with the Muirs and have dinner. I always love being at Jeff's grandparents. It was a particularly tender night as it was the first holiday without Jeff's grandma. We all miss her dearly. I think just below the happy Christmas atmosphere most of us were a little bit melancholy thinking of Grandma. This was apparent as Jenny read the dedication Nicole wrote for the family cookbook everyone received.

"For each of us the phrase 'family dinner' brings a different memory to mind, probably more than one. Pot roast, mashed potatoes, noodles, stew, fajitas, board games, ball games, mind games, conversations, debates, arguments. While we all enjoy the food, the time around the table is less about eating, and more about fellowship. A means of reconnecting with those we care about the most. Over a simple dinner important stuff happens. Relationships are realigned, the news of the week is exchanged, and outings, vacations,weddings, and funerals are planned. More importantly, memories are made. The family dinner exemplifies who we are, and where we came from.

This collection of family recipes is dedicated to Melba Jones Wright, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, may your tradition of 'Sunday Dinners' continue for generations to come"

Thank you, Nicole, for writing that introduction and putting the cookbook together. It is a treasure to us.

Anna had such a fun time with her cousins. She especially loves Tanner. He's all we hear about when he's not around. I also loved seeing Riser (15 months), Anna (21 months), and Tanner (27 months) all lined up by each other. Amazingly there is only about an inch of difference one way or another between the three of them. So funny!

Ethan, Riser, Tanner, and Anna testing out the Christmas goods.

Grandpa J holding the Wright family calendar.

Christmas Eve with the Blacks'

We had to forego our usual tradition of going to the Hogle Zoo because it was freezing! The temperature was in the teens and a huge storm hit the valley mid-day. Instead we opted for the Hollywood Connection in West Valley. I think that Dad was secretly grateful as I'm pretty sure he inwardly dreads the inevitably cold afternoon that accompanies the zoo trips. Almost the whole family was there we missed Ben and Sarah and Dan and Michelle. It was all a bit too much for Anna. There were lots of new people and the place itself is a bit overstimulating. We had fun anyway. I especially enjoyed watching Nate and Kelly's boys. They were so excited to do everything. I love their enthusiasm for life and all things fun and "cool." Other highlights from the night were:

• watching Ian (2 1/2) roller-skate for the first time



• doing bumper cars with about 12 or 13 other members of the family



• playing Dance Dance Revolution with Liz



• seeing Amanda in her roller element (I'm so jealous of her skills!)



• watching Ian hacking at a golf ball with his golf club



• watching Jeff skate with rollerblades and catching a bit of the "old school Jeff."



• seeing Dad passing out tokens to everyone. It reminded me of Christmas' past at Showbiz

After the craziness at Hollywood Connection we said goodbye to Matt & Amanda, Liz & Matt, and Nate and family and met up with Dan and family at Godfather's Pizza. It was nice to be able to sit down and enjoy everyone's company in a little quieter setting. The best part for me was playing with Taylor (5 1/2 months). He has to be the happiest baby I have ever seen! I felt like that aunt who just wants to keep pinching cheeks, much to the chargrin of the child. SO ADORABLE! Anna had a much better time at the pizza joint. She especially loved running around and playing with Grandpa. He was so sweet with her.

We headed back to Mom's house after to act out the nativity and open some gifts. Anna was the angel. She was so adorable in her costume. She, of course, could care less about the whole charade and was annoyed that I kept fussing over her. Jeff and I played shepards, Josh, Julie, and Caleb were wise men and Dan, Michelle, and Jacob were Joseph, Mary, and Baby Jesus. By the time we actually started the main event, Caleb and Anna were done so there was a little improvising as the acting progress. We sang the traditional hymns (my favorite part) and all in all it was very nice. It was then to bed with Anna and Caleb and we all opened a few gifts.

My parents were very generous and we had a wonderful time with everyone.