Out with the Old - In with the New !

No I'm not talking about the year, I talking about the biggest thing to happen to St. George...our new airport! Ryan and I had to go to SLC for an appt, and were able to fly out of the old airport one last time. Here are the amazing views as we looked down on the city from the airport bluff.

Ya, it was the early morning flight on Tues. I will miss the bluff airport, the easy access, the beautiful city views as you land, I will even miss the thrill of "maybe they won't stop and we will go over the edge" feeling every time we land! :) We have had some great times there as a family, I remember the first time we flew as Skywest employees - it was so exciting! Jordan's first flight (at 3 weeks), he is a professional flyer! The boys have traveled around the country, beginning and ending from our little bluff. I won't be able to race home for a forgotten article (Piglet, Passport/drivers license,hat etc) anymore, the new airport is just too far. I remember during my Toshiba days, racing up in the Mustang parking and racing in 20 minutes before my flight and still making it (you got to love small airport service!) It was so fun to see all the private planes and helicopters, the Fedex and firefighting aircraft...I don't know if you will see that at the new airport. Anyway,we loved the old airport - but we are excited to begin our travels from the new airport.
So back to our week. Ryan and Parker flew home Tues night, and I had to stay for some tests. I was to come home Wed. afternoon,I was sad that I wouldn't be able to make the Grand Opening of the new airport. We had been looking forward to going for a few weeks. Well after my test, I wasn't feeling well enough for the 4:00 and there was only one flight that night because it was the last night for the Old airport. So...I ended up coming home this morning on the Inaugural Flight into the New St. George Airport. Wow, it's amazing how a few little things change and I am now part of history! We left a little late, but with the new 50 seater jet we totally made up the time...it only took 40 minutes from SLC to St.George! The poor Flight Attendant barely had time to run through the cabin and get us all drinks before we had to prep for landing. It was a lot of fun, and there was a lot of excitement all the way down. There is a breezeway, but for some reason they just let us out the old fashion way. The problem was no one had a key to the door, and we were locked out for a few minutes! HaHaHa I guess you can't plan on everything :) I was worried, being stuck in SLC for three days without my make-up, hair supplies or even a change of cloths that there would be cameras rolling...luckily there was only my little phone snapping pictures.
Here it is the CRJ 50 seater jet that will take the first flight landing in St. George!

This is about half way, I loved how beautiful and clean the earth looks covered in a blanket of white.

The beautiful red hills, we are almost there!

Approaching St. George, you can still see the city and the temple...it is just from a distance now.

Our "Little Valley", I am pretty sure you can see our house on the approach.

We Made It !!! The view from the landing strip.

Our new airport, wow it is TWO levels!

Look we even have a baggage/ground transportation sign.

Sorry it is blurry, I took these pictures with my phone. This is the new secure waiting area...I love the mural!

Wow, we have an elevator AND an observation deck! This is big time,what a beautiful airport...this is the first impression we want to give our guest of our amazing little town!

The cutest little greeter! I love this little guy!!!

Parker and Grandma explored the airport, he told me all about it. Here he is pointing out the map of St.George...he was quick to show me the old and new airport.

Look we have a REAL baggage belt...no more catching your luggage as they throw it through the open window at you ;)

New Year Day at Chuck-E-Cheese

It's a tradition that we head to Chuck-E-Cheese over the holidays, what else can you do with a bunch of children in the Artic Frosty North?! We all have tons of fun, eat okay pizza and a great salad bar, drink our fill of soda and have a ball for a few hours. The boys loved running and playing with their cousins, Ryan did well earning tickets at the basketball hoops, I did well playing "Deal or No Deal", Grandma Kathy was challenging everyone to a game of bowling and Grandma G.G. found a car racing game she ROCKED! Between all of us, the boys were able to get some really cute Toy Story figurines and two HUGE suckers. All in all, I would say it was a pretty successful day at Chuck-E-Cheese.

PS

We really need on of these in St George!

Happy New Year - 2011 Here We Come !

Happy New Year, everyone! We headed North for the Famous Fabulous Francom Feast, for the party of the year! We said goodbye to 2010 and welcomed 2011 with family and friends...what is better than that? The day began with winter playtime at Grandma Kathy's, the boys were able to gear up for the cold (thanks Grandma for saving all the snow gear so my Southern boys didn't freeze) and they headed outside to play in the snow. Parker just wanted to make footprints, he was in heaven stomping around and watching his trail. Jordan was just happy to be outside in the snow, he made snow angels, he tried to throw snowballs and of course he ate (yuck) the snow. I thought they would just play for a few minutes (it was 10 degrees), but after an hour I had to send Ryan out to get them. They were busy playing on the swing set and exploring the Grandparents winter wonderland backyard. Jordan only agreed to come in because he got snow in his "GLUB"(glove) and Parker came in because Jordan did and he didn't have anyone to play with.

The boys were so excited when they came up with the plan to sleigh ride down the Francoms hill, so we packed up all the necessities and went to the party early.

Parker and Jordan headed straight out to the backyard and the hill, Ryan was a very brave and good sport and headed out with them. Ryan did have his ski coat and gloves on, but did not have the full snow gear available, but he ran around with the boys and pulled them on the sleighs. It didn't take long to entice cousin Eric out to play with them, he is always up for some fun! He did have his snow gear on, it was quite the difference in the two men. Ryan said "Eric is ready to go snowmobiling and I am dressed to get the paper!" They had such a fun time playing, I can't believe how long they stayed outside, I was freezing just watching them from the window! Grandma G.G. and I sat at the window and enjoyed all the fun, without enduring the 9 degree weather.

We then had an amazing Prime Rib dinner with all the classic sides, and ate ourselves sick. Why do we do this to ourselves EVERY year ?! We played lots of games and learned a lot about each other. I heard my new favorite quote "I laughed so hard tears ran down my LEG!" HeHeHe Jordan put himself to bed with the babies about 10pm, but Parker was still going strong till midnight. He didn't want to stop playing with Travis, to do the fireworks and kissing.

Parker was a little nervous about the fireworks (he does this every year), but after watching a few he decided it was okay and really enjoyed them.

We had a great time, as always, it even started to snow for the new year. SOOOOOO, here's to the New Year, may it be great for all of you and may all your wishes come true!

Love ya,

The Schuddes

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Snow in St. George ?!

Yep, that's right Snow in St. George! We had so much fun playing in the snow at Grandma Kathy's house, then I was personally glad to leave it and it's mess behind. We flew home New Years Day...then the next morning we woke up to 3INCHES of snow on the ground! I could not believe it, it hardly ever snows and if it does it never sticks, it is unheard of to see this much. I heard Parker wake up, then I heard a gasp, a thump thump down the stairs and a "Mommy, there is snow outside!" The boys were so excited they thought it must be Christmas again, because it snowed outside. They had a blast playing outside, too bad we didn't have all the snow gear that was at Grandma's. It was a little muddy, but I loved watching them have so much fun. We were also able to take some gorgeous pictures of the snow-capped city and temple. I love the contrast of the white on the red hills, but I am also glad this is a rare occurrence and that it doesn't last long! I have definitely acclimatized to the warm weather! :)

Christmas Fun with the Schuddes

We had so much fun with Ryan's family down for the Christmas Holiday this year. After opening presents at my family's house, we jumped on a flight and made it to Ryan's Mom's house just in time to eat, open presents and play a few games. Parker and Jordan made a haul, Grandma Sylvia gave them lots of Lego sets, they are in Lego heaven! The boys and Meeks had a blast playing "Rock-n-Roll Band" with their new guitar and drum set. If I can figure our how to post a video, you can see they were great and really knew how to rock! I think we have a teen idol hit on our hands!

The next day we all made the trek over to the Jacob Hamblin House for family pictures. They actually turned out pretty well, and the rain even cooperated and stopped just in time for the shoot. The beautiful landscaping and awesome rock wall were and awesome background. Thanks Casey for being so patient and helping us out...you really did an awesome job! I think my favorite picture is the one of the kids in the tree, so much cousin fun!

The next day we all got to go to Tangled, we all loved it! I think it is one of the new Disney greatest hits/classics. My favorite is the horse and her bipolar scenes, the boys liked her frying pan (I better watch my kitchen, they may try to replace their swords and lightsavers!) I must admit there are some days I feel that conflicted, hum what to do ?

Anyway it was a great few days spent with family, we had food, fun and lots of humor. Love ya all!

Merry Christmas

MERRY CHRISTMAS !
What a wonderful time of the year, wow I sound like a song :) We had a fun, crazy day, spent with family and loved ones. First we woke up to Parker's excited voice saying "He found us, he did come!" He was a little worried this year that Santa wouldn't know that we were at Grandma and PaPa's house, even though he had told several Santa's that is where he would be. While we were waiting for everyone to get up and open presents, Parker looked out the window and saw the neighbors opening their Santa haul. He was so excited that Santa had gone to that house also. Parker had been showing Santa the Lego magazine and pointing out exactly what he wanted (the $300 Star Wars set, $450 Knight/Castle set and the $275 Pirate ship set ), I was a little worried as Santa had already made his list and packed his bag...but as Parker opened his (very small) Star Wars Lego box he excited exclaimed "look Mom, Santa did mind!" What a sweetheart, I am glad he didn't know that it wasn't the huge set and was happy with what he got. The boys got GIJoe Robots, which everyone loved...even the Zundel babies, who thought they should suck on the guns/swords. We have also started a Rock Band with a mini drum set and electric guitar. Santa really came through, this year. The kids were so excited to find stockings IN the fireplace for everyone. We opened presents with everyone, even Grandma GG came down to watch Christmas Morning. Then we had the best present of all...talking to Jon, I mean Elder Smith in the mission field. It was so good to hear his voice, we are glad he hasn't frozen to death. The first thing the boys asked him about was his Missionary Sword, when will get over the Ammon story? We then hurried home (thank you Skywest) to spend the afternoon/evening with Ryan's family. Grandma Sylvia came through with lots of Legos, the boys are in Lego heaven. What a wonderful day! Thanks everyone for everything.

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Christmas Eve at Grandma's

I love this tradition, it is my favorite day of the whole year. I don't know if it is being surrounded by family, eating WAY to much wonderful food, the room piled to the ceiling with presents or it being the start of my favorite holiday - Christmas-, but Christmas Eve at my Grandma's is the BEST!!! For as long as I can remember, this is where you could find our family. We begin around 2-3 and some years last until midnight or so. I love that my children are now going home in their jammies, just like I used to. I remember trying to stay awake and look for Santa, but never quite making it home awake. I remember my Mom being pulled over once (with a station wagon full of kids) to check for DUI ... she was so tired. I did wake up when the police officer shined his flashlight in my face :) One year when I was 5 or so, I was so excited to give Grandma her present I thought I would give her some clues so she could guess. Here were my clues, lets see if you can guess... something that will keep your hands warm when you drive. See even then, I had mad clue giving skills ;) Grandma's house ALWAYS had more snow, and many a Christmas Eves were spent sledding and playing in the snow. It always seems to be snowing when we are packing up to leave...the magic of Grandma's house and Christmas Snow!!! I just love it!
Through the years many traditions have been acted out...the Manger Scene (I was always Mary...of course) , watching the home videos of the years past and the family talent show - this year we did a rendition of "The Twelve Days of Christmas". Every couple/group had a day and had to act out the part. We had Lords a Leaping, we had Dancing, Swans a laying, calling birds (literally on their phones) and the children (Parker/Jordan) did an amazing job with the ever popular F-I-V-E Golden Rings! So much fun...I wont tell what Ryan and I did, although if I ever see this on U-Tube... I know where you live. He He The men try to be anti-social watching football, but we usually get a few good group games going on. Then the highlight of the night opening presents, I don't know what is better the excitement of what you are giving or the surprise of what you received. I remember through the years Mom, Grandma, Daryl, Julie and everyone else try to keep things organized...one person opening a present at a time (notice I said TRIED, this never lasts very long) so after all the presents have been passed out, torn open , looked at and loved - we try to see what everyone else got. It's even better now with children, I love watching their excitement and joy at each gift. Some highlights of this year, were the "ARMY MAN" hats (as Parker calls them) that Eric gave the boys. They love them and are often found sporting them in their play. Grandma GG must have had a secret Santa helper, because she gave the boys awesome Transformer costumes that the absolutely treasure...Optimus and Bumblebee are now frequent at the Schudde home. Parker and Jordan put out Reindeer food at Grandma Kathy's and PaPa's house, so Santa would be sure to find them there! They were very serious about spreading it round. This year we missed the Packs, but we look forward to next year when we will all be home together again! We came together from all around the country. We had Chris and Steph from Virginia, Eric from Arizona and the Zundels from California. We love you all and wish you a happy Christmas Eve! Check out the Smilebox for all the fun and craziness.
Enjoy!

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