I am currently in Salt Lake City, Utah visiting my in-laws. Rick and I arrived here after spending Christmas with my family near Grand Rapids, Michigan. We will be staying here until we leave for Kiev on the 12th of January.
Christmas with my family was bittersweet. We arrived 5 days before Christmas and left 5 days afterward. I would have liked more time with them as this was my last Christmas with all the family (especially my grandfather) for a few years. Unfortunately, the earliest we could arrive was the 2oth of December. Anyway, I had a lot of fun preparing for the holiday and celebrating it. Thanks to Martha Stewart (a sort of hero of mine), I was able to make some delicious treats for the parties -- Molasses Gingerbread Men, Gingerbread Cheesecake, Classic Eggnog, and my Grandma Diehl's Sugar cookies (fabulously decorated).
Sugar cookies and Gingerbread Men!
The Gingerbread House I made with Mom in Law
Gingerbread Cheesecake, very yummy, but accidently a bit undercooked. . .:(
Christmas, gift-wise, was very appropriate given that we are moving. Essentially what this means is that we got small gifts (rechargeable batteries), gift cards (iTunes, REI and the Grape Vine organic food restaurant in Salt Lake City) and money. Also, my parents did a very noble thing and got my computer repaired. By their generousity I am able to update you all on the goings on of these holidays! Although I still am sour about PCs, I am grateful to have my computer alive, well and with all files!
I During my time home I also spent some quality time with my sister. On Christmas Day we went to see Avatar 3D (I liked it and recommend it). We also spent a night in a hotel together with some other girlfriends, mostly to sit in the jacuzzi, which was depressingly cool. :( It felt nice to spend some good time with Stephie before leaving.
On the 30th we flew here, to SLC, to spend the New Year with my in-laws. On New Year's Eve we spent the day munching on goodies, playing games (Taboo and Apples to Apples), doing puzzles, and playing pranks on Uncle Dave. It was slow to get going, but once everyone was there and the activities commenced it was really fun. On New Year's Day we went bowling at Fat Cats activity center. All of the brothers and sisters were there and it was a really fun time. Alex and Julie (my sisters with whom we are staying) said they would like to go again before we leave. I hope we do.
On the 2nd we went to the blessing of my niece, the Lizard (nickname not real name). It was an intimate family ceremony. I had never been to a baby blessing and the LDS way of doing it was rather beautiful. Many were emotional -- including Grandma and Grandpa and Mom and Dad. It was a happy time.
Now we have about 9 days until we leave and until then I hope we have some fun adventures and reminisce about my childhood here.
Best,
Kim
Coming posts: recent books I recommend and recent cooking
