The One with Christmas in Utah Days 1+2+3

We got to Utah in the early evening Monday and after we settled at the Taylor's house I drove out to my favorite Thai food restaurant in Orem (Thai Drift) to pick up some curry. So good. 

Tuesday all the Evans' went to do a session at the Salt Lake temple but I stayed behind to see family and go to a work party. First order of business: lunch at Noodles & Company. It's funny how vacations revolve around food. You gotta eat at your favorite places while you can!

I got buttered noodles and Fox got the Wisconsin mac and cheese. 

He liked it a lot :)

Coming soon to Orem: J Dawgs! No way! This once little po-dunk stand at BYU is turning into a franchise! Come on over to LA!

I visited my Warner grandparents and admired the beautiful sunset across the Wasatch mountains and valley. 

That night I went to the Northridge work party at the Riverwoods Country Club.

It was so serendipitous that I was in town for the occasion! It was SOOOO FUN to see all the people that I work with on a daily basis via emails and chat IN REAL LIFE. It had been YEARS since I'd seen Pam - the Editor in Chief - and Tammy - the Editor of the Cricut Mags - and all the photographers and designers and ad managers and everyone else who keeps the mags running. I can't believe how much this company has grown since I started working there six years ago. Everyone took up three entire rooms!

I sat next to my good friend Alisha and we chatted all night long. I love my co-workers :)

Wednesday morning was MTC day! Seven years ago Chris went into the MTC. That was one of the hardest days of my life. As you can see from my face. 

In the morning Grandma Doris hosted a good-bye brunch for Nick. Afterwards we sat down and talked about this and that until it was time to go. 

They don't do the drop-off and video and take their leisurely time like they used to. Ever since the Swine Flu epidemic a couple years ago you roll in, kick your kid to the curb, and say peace out - see you in two years! I actually like the process - quick and painless. Well. I guess it's not painless. Two years is a long time to not see your son/brother/friend.

We found a parking lot to stop and take some pictures before we dropped Nick off. 

We drove into the MTC and were guided to a numbered spot. There a group of missionaries greeted Nick and helped unload his bags. I love this picture of Margi and her look of supreme adoration. 

Saying goodbye to Pops. 

Saying goodbye to Mom. 

Bye Nick! Go forth and serve! See you in two years!

We went to the BYU Creamery on 9th after we dropped Nick off, took naps, and then said our goodbyes. We woke up at 3:30am and flew back home to LA. 

We had a merry Christmas with family! Now it's back to the grindstone :)