Christmas in Moab

This year, we spent Christmas in Moab. We didn't take our usual drive (I-15 to I-70 to Hwy 191). This time we went through Escalante, Boulder, Torrey, Hanksville, and stopped at Goblin Valley. Then continued to I-70 and our usual route the rest of the way. I've been to Goblin Valley before on our way home from Lake Powell. Chad has never been there and wanted to see what it was all about. When we got there, we had been driving for about 4 hours and Kiley was ready to get out and play. Well, we found just the spot. There was no one in the park so we let Daisy run around, off leash...shh! It was a nice day but a little bit chilly. Kiley had fun climbing on the rocks and watching Daisy run around like crazy. I have come to think that Kiley is a little scared of heights. When we would climb on top of a rock, she would cling tight to us and would not let us set her down. But when we were on somewhat level ground and the rocks above us, she was more than happy to run and play. We didn't stay very long because it was cold and also because we wanted to finish our last hour and a half of driving. It was a beautiful place and if you have kiddos that love to climb on things, Goblin Valley is the place to be. We will be going back someday when our kiddos are a little older and can have more fun. We think it would be a great place for a Youth Conference. The kids would love to play hide and seek, or some other crazy game with all the "goblins".

This is overlooking part of the valley. It is huge!!

This is what the whole valley looks like. I'm sure its a few miles long, at least the part we could see. 

Kiley cuddled up to Scott one night and they had a nice nap together. 

We spent the day before Christmas Eve in Blanding with Chad's grandparents. Kiley and I hung out with Great Grandma while Great Grandpa took Chad, Scott, Britty, John and Christine out on some crazy adventure. Grandma made us Taco Soup which was absolutely delicious. We also had a great time listening to Grandpa sing to us while Grandma played the piano. After he was done, Kiley decided she needed to help Grandma play the piano and had a lot of fun. It sometimes takes her a little while to warm up to her Great Grandparents, but as soon as she saw the piano, her and Grandma were instant friends.

Going for a drive.

Hanging out with Great Grandma at lunch time.

Grandpa singing "Oh Holy Night" to us.

Grandma and Kiley playing the piano. 

On Christmas Eve, we went out to Canyonlands with everyone. We went to Mesa Arch. It was beautiful! My first Christmas in Moab was spent at Mesa Arch as well, so that was kinda fun!

Walking back from the view point. Kiley loved running in the snow.

So I had tried to prepare Kiley throughout December for Santa because I knew he would be coming to visit. We talked about Santa, read books, watched movies, and danced to Santa songs. She could point to Santa and tell me who he was and that he said "Ho Ho Ho." I thought that she would love Santa. He even came at a time that was a happy time of the day for her. I thought this would go over a lot better.

Kiley's reaction to Santa.

She would not go over to see him or even look at him. She wouldn't even take the Candy Cane that he gave her.  However, as soon as he left, she kept saying "Santa" over and over and so excited that he gave her a candy cane. She still sees pictures of Santa sometimes and gets so excited. I don't know what to think!!

Daisy got this awesome Santa Costume. Doesn't she look so excited!

Kiley on Christmas morning. Her favorite present was her Chap stick. We had to hide it in order for her to open any of her other presents.

 We had a really good Christmas and enjoyed our time in Moab. And even though some people got sick, we were very lucky that none of us got sick. Kiley loved opening her presents and playing with them.