Busy in Phoenix

We have had an eventful trip so far, this Christmas. The first leg of the journey (from home to Denver) took much longer than expected, because of snow in Nebraska. From Omaha past Lincoln, we could only drive an average of 35 miles an hours. We arrived at the Ohlin’s house at about 11am, ate lunch, took a nap, woke up, ate supper, and hit the road for Phoenix. We were disappointed that the weather prevented us from visiting with them more, but hopefully on the way back, we will have better luck. We got to Gretchen’s parent’s house just before 9am, and got a little settled before we each took naps. When we woke up, Gretchen’s brother Jeremy, and sister Heidi, brother-in-law Tony, and their son, Jackson, were there to help celebrate Gretchen’s mom’s birthday. We had a great party, and were surprised by Papa who gave a gift to Mom that included us too. He gave Mom a day at the spa to be shared with her two daughters. So on thursday, I (Gretchen) get to have a mud wrap, manicure and pedicure with my sister and mom, to further celebrate her birthday. Monday was a continuation of fun (even though Jeremy had to go back to work.) and we got to see the last showing of the Assembly of God church’s famous Christmas pagent. With artists from Circ de Solei, cicrcus animals (Silje’s favorite was the elephant) a laser light show (David’s favorite) a parade, dancing from some of the cast from High School Musical 2, a 40 foot Christmas tree filled with a choir, and more than can even fit in this email. Knut said it could rival any broadway play he had ever seen. I don’t think that they could have squeezed in anything else!
Well, supper is ready, so I’ll have to fill in more of the trip later. -GR