Jackson Family Chronicles: We're Back!!

Happy New Year to All!!

It was a curious time for our little Carly as we had one last lunch at Cafe Rio in Provo before turning the Avalanche north. On the one hand, we had done as we promised and had spent some time with the Smiths but time passes quickly and it was now time to head home. Carly was smiling and intent on savoring not only the food but also the company but the glazed look in her eyes told another story.

As a sensitive male, I asked her if she felt like crying. Guess what, she did and everyone in the restaurant were witnesses to the feelings she was having as our time together was about to take a sabbatical.

We have had a marvelous, although incredibly differrent Christmas season. Early Christmas Morning saw Andrew, Gerry and Stan pile into a completely full Avalanche, ladened with Christmas gifts, groceries, Carly's personal effects, wedding gifts, golf clubs and some personal effects. First stop was in Lethbridge to track down the Brewertons to exchange a few gifts, have a few hugs and then off to Raymond. (Samuel decided that he would be best served staying with Mom and Dad.) Our stop in Raymond to do the same with the Ehlerts and we were off on our great Christmas Adventure of 2007.

Christmas Dinner was had in a Flying J in Great Falls with the main entree being something called Country Fried Steak. I thought there might be some beef involved but the concensus was that there was some chicken under the heavy batter. Arrival at Carly and Jesse's was about 5 minutes before Christmas Day 2007 was to expire. (5 to midnight) Modern technologies dictated movies by Ipod and by laptop as well as a variety of satellite radio stations made for a quick trip.

As promised it was Kneaders for breakfast on Boxing Day, then off to St. George. Priceline came through with a great Marriott Courtyard, roomy and modern. The Cahoons have purchased a winter home in southern Utah and after a quick trip around the city, we visited with them and Jesse fell in love with the Massage Chair. Of course dinner was at Cafe Rio (a little disappointing, thus the repeat on the return trip to a more favorite location).

It was COLD but that wasn't going to stop the intrepid warriors from venturing out with their sporting weapons to the Ledges Golf Course. I think that I found my limits as the temperature never exceeded 3 degrees C.

Andrew and Jesse perched up on the Ledges.

The gorgeous red rock of Snow Canyon frame

this first Christmas for the Smith Family.

We spent a great week in Palm Desert, see my previous posts to understand my feelings for the desert of California. Weather was decent, shorts were appropriate daytime attire with a couple of forays into the heated outdoor pools and spas. Gerry made sure that she visited the outdoor market a couple of times, introducing Tia to the temptations provided there.

We raced a massive storm home almost beating it through the Monida Pass and arrived on our doorstep at 5:00 a.m. on Saturday morning. Although the house was quiet when we entered, we knew that there were 7 little grandchildren closeted throughout and it was very apparent, very early that we weren't going to get any extra sleep in consideration from any of the them.