Utah highlights...

Although our trip to Utah was quick, we always enjoy being with family.

Celebrating Burk's achievement of earning the rank of Eagle made it extra special.

Grandpa Stephens checking out Davis' merit badges.

Brent, Davis, Cooper and cousin Burk.

The best part of the ceremony was the live eagle.
Words or pictures can't do it justice.
It was magical to see.
When the bird became restless and wanted to spread it's wings,
I could feel the wind her wings generated blow across my face.
She was magestic and powerful.
The presentation was symbolic and beautiful.

When we woke on Sunday morning the world was a blanket of white.
The boys were in cotton candy heaven!


We were not prepared with winter gear.
Our thin Arizona blood doesn't need those multiple layers anymore.
But the boys couldn't resist the fluff so they braved the cold in their flimsy fleece jackets and gloves.
I was running the clothes dryer over and over again throughout the day.
Maddie and I were content to watch through the window or sneak a picture out on the front porch.
Maddison took a snowball in the stomach which is the price you pay when you enter the realm of boys and their childlike pleasures!

We celebrated Cooper's 8th birthday too.
First a snake party in sunny Arizona and then more cake and ice cream but this time with his cousins in snowy Utah.  It was birthday party overload : )