The Dodd Family: Christmas 2011...

Over the River and through the woods to

Grandma's house we go.....

This Christmas I feel like we did that. In 17 years that me and Joe have been together we haven't ever been able to go anywhere for Christmas because of his job. This year was an exception. He was suppose to work on Saturday, Christmas Eve but another driver that wasn't on the list asked if he could work for Joe if it was alright with the supervisors. As it turned out it was fine and so Joe was off on Christmas Eve.. the first in 17 years. He then had also put in to be off on that following Tuesday since they were offering option days. He ended up getting that also so we thought this is our chance to get away for Christmas and spend it some where else since that never happens that he gets 4 days off for Christmas. We headed down to stay with my parents in a little town called Enterprise in southern Utah. It's about 35 minutes north of St. George. They have officially retired there this year. Its about a 4 1/2 hour drive, so it wasn't that bad to pack everything up and travel for Christmas. Christmas Eve morning we got up and packed everything up and headed out. Even though we had 9 garbage bags full of gifts, luggage, pillows, blankets and etc., we managed to fit it all in and take the trip.

We got in early afternoon and unloaded everything and then visited with my parents for a little while until the boys just couldn't take it anymore. As we talked about it and with church being in the morning and my dad speaking we thought lets get opening the gifts on Christmas Eve instead and that way we can sleep in a little on Christmas Day, have breakfast even and then leave for church. So, we did just that. The boys were too excited and it worked out great for us adults...

After we came home from church we started on dinner and watched a little football and visited. We had a nice dinner of ham, turkey, potatoes, veggies and yummy rolls with a great dessert to follow. To say the least I was stuffed.. We lounged the rest of the night and watched a few episodes of my dad's new favorite show.. If I hear "Live Action" one more time I think I will scream.. Lol.

Monday we got up early and headed to St. George to shop for a few after Christmas sales. We did get a few things for next year, love that because neighbors and teachers are taken care of. We then met up with my brother and had lunch, hit a couple of more stores and then went to a movie (Sherlock Holmes) before heading home.. Tuesday we slept in a little bit got up and headed to another little town about 20 minutes away and had breakfast.. Yummy! All there food is homemade fresh even there jams and it was so good. We headed back to my parents were the boys visited and me and my mom went to a few local shops to check out a few of there sales and actually scored a few things even getting Patrick his Birthday gift already.. gotta love that. After 4 great, but always to fast days we headed home. It was a nice Christmas and one we will remember for a while since we never get to leave for the Holiday..

Waiting to open gifts.. Grandpa and Jacob

Blake not thrilled with his first gift he opened.. an art set

Jake very thrilled with what he got..

Patrick giving grandma a hug for his gift and about took her over at the same time..

The twins hugging each other in excitement for what they got

Patrick's big grin, realizing he got what he wanted..

The gift to all of them, that they all wanted..

Joe's few gifts.. he left his other stuff at home

A few of my gifts.. The mug for my hot chocolate from Patrick, the slippers were from Blake because he said they look like a cougar and they would match my "Y" cup.. Jake got me Jingle Jammies from Old Navy and Joe got me a really nice Sweater, lotion and Adel CD.