We're Going to the Sugar Bowl!

Yep, we finally decided to book the trip. I bought the tickets weeks ago, but Jeff and I kept going back and forth over whether or not to go. But you know, how often do our Utes play in the Sugar Bowl? Watch for us on TV January 2nd -- down with the Crimson Tide -- GO UTES!

Crazy Drivers

I was driving home on Sunday night after a successful shopping spree when a guy in a pickup starting doing donuts on the freeway. I was not able to stop quickly enough and slammed into him. He and I are both fine, but look at my poor car! I actually don't think it looks too bad, but the bill from the repair shop says otherwise. Good thing I have insurance from Liberty Mutual (shameless plug for my brother-in-law, Matt).

S N O W ! ! !

Winter is finally here! Jeff and the kids took the sled to the park across the street - not the best sledding hill but it'll do! Charley was pretty excited about the snow, too!

Peyton's Music Program @ School

Roots Run Deep

I have always felt a strong connection to family. From my mom's side of the family who diligently schedules family reunions every three years for Oswalds of six generations, to Leo's family who shows me that even if our cousins are former convicts they deserve a place at the Thanksgiving table, I've realized that family ties mean a lot.

My mom grew up in a small town in Nebraska -- West Point. We left West Point when I was 6 years old and followed Leo to Utah. From the age of 7 until 18 I spent time every summer in West Point, Nebraska with my grandparents. There was no shortage of uncles, aunts, or cousins. And even in the last 13 years I've tried to visit as often as possible to spend time with Grandma, Grandpa, and the rest of the family.

This past year I lost both of my grandparents. At Grandma's funeral I remember thinking that it might be my last trip to West Point--and then thinking that I'm too young to have a "last" of anything. Still, I don't know when I'll get back there. Luckily, I have second cousins and other relatives in the area (along with uncles and aunts not too far away) who keep in touch and remind me of the kind of life in West Point, Nebraska.

Cousin Connie sent an email the other day about West Point's town Christmas tree this year. It just happens to be the tree from her parents' old house. Connie's mom and my grandma were sisters. They had coffee at least once a week for as long as I can remember. Connie's parents passed away several years ago and the kids sold the house; it was the new owner who donated the tree to the town. Connie said she remembered buying that tree for her dad, Norm, for Father's Day one year, and planting it in the front yard. You can see a picture and a story from the local paper here: http://www.wpnews.com/

This makes me think that there can't be that many Christmas trees around towns in the USA this time of year for which we know their whole history. I started thinking that only in West Point would the town Christmas tree have a story and only in a family like mine with such deep roots would we all share the story.

Attention Football Fans

Check out this youtube video, you won't be disappointed (I promise even Cougar fans will laugh)...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6CROOR2QN8

Black Friday!

A few years ago my sisters-in-law talked me into getting up early and going shopping with them on the Friday after Thanksgiving. I was reluctant to wake up so early, but when we got to Wal-Mart, snuck in front of everyone waiting in line, and pushed and shoved to get the Carebears, I was hooked! It's a woman's sport. This year did not disappoint. Some woman rammed Brandi in her tummy (her 8-month pregnant belly) so Brandi hit her with a Hannah Montana guitar. I got my toe run over by a cart and knocked over a bunch of DVDs but neither one stopped me. Deana was such a trooper to stand in line while Holli, Brandi, and I canvassed the stores for the best deals. We woke up at 3:45, hit Wal-Mart at 5:00 am, Target at 6:00 am, then Old Navy and Toys-R-Us. We paused for breakfast and then hit Kohl's just for fun. We made it home a little after 1:00, although I told Jeff we'd "for sure" be done by 12:00. Oh well, you can't stop until the car is full and we lived up to that motto. Check out these pics!

Thanksgiving in Kaysville

Bobby's blog says it all...

http://thewynnsofnorthogden.blogspot.com/

UTAH 48 BYU 24

Can you say "Mountain West Conference Champions"?
Can you say "Undefeated"?
Can you say "BCS Buster"?

Peyton and Ashley have something to say...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sV1Sm-OuEM

Ashley Got Her Ears Pierced!

She didn't even cry!