Away 3 Weeks

Our Christmas vacation began a bit differently than we expected.  Chris's grandpa Crittenden passed away the week before Christmas and we (thanks to Delta) were able to move our flights up in order to make it to Utah for the funeral.   It was good time to be together and appreciate what a dedicated and patient man Grandpa was.  The hardest part was seeing Grandma say goodbye to her husband of  around 60 years.  Grandma came back to Arizona to spend Christmas with us, and it was heartbreaking to see the pain in her face and hear the emptiness in her voice.  That's a trial I never want to experience.  Chris and I simply need to die on the same day and that's the end of if.

Despite it's beginning, Christmas still managed to be lovely.  Chris's house is the best place to be in December...sunshine, soft green grass, fresh citrus outside, amazing food courtesy of his amazing mom, and lots of fun games courtesy of his competitive siblings, and even some rock climbing.  All in all it was the sort of relaxing and fun break that we  have been needing.  Esther loves her grandma, and after some trips out to feed the chickens, she even warmed right up to Grandpa (she tends to be wary of men),  and LOVED playing with her cousins Bristol and James.  Or rather, taking James' toys and stealing food from Bristol's tray. Lots of familial love. 

Christmas Morning at Grandma's house

Definitely my cutest baby

After Christmas we flew back up to Utah to spend New Years with my family, and to redeem Chris's Christmas present to us...reservations for a night at the St. Regis at Deer Valley.   Thank you McKinsey and all those Starwood points Chris banked.    There wasn't much snow, so instead of snowshoeing like we planned, we just went on a little hike.  Then we mostly loved the pools and hot tub nestled in the mountains and forgot about the stress of starting a business and supporting a family on almost no income.  Theraputic.  Random fact: this hotel somehow puts a TV screen behind the mirror glass so as you're getting ready you don't have to turn your head to get CNN.  Completely unnecessary but kind of cool.

Hiking in Park City

Swimming. Mountains. St. Regis. Bliss

Is Esther's head really that big?

Seeing my family again was wonderful.  I've been missing them terribly lately and getting together makes me happy.   Now we're back in North Carolina and we're back to work, but we're re-energized and excited for what 2012 will bring.

Chris's "recording studio" for the website's how-to video .  Yes, he is under a down comforter.