Fastest trip in the West

Where can you find  snow on autumn colored trees?

Christmas decor galore 

And egg nog, when you live in 75 degree weather in November? 

Utah, of course!  

I thought I really wanted to take a few weeks off of traveling, but after being home a full week I started itching to travel again.  When our plans were not working out (flights full, lots to do at home), I thought we would stay home, but Dave was really wanting to feel like it was Christmas with the decor and the weather getting colder (here, we go to the park daily in shorts and short-sleeves and take evening walks as a family).  But I was NOT going to run my long run in Utah weather and I really wanted to go to our ward service projects and  some garage sales.  So after doing all those things on Saturday morning, we boarded a plane at 1:30 pm and flew to Utah.  It was a wonderful weekend with our siblings (we only saw Dave's side of the family, I guess next trip is my side).  We had a wonderful dinner, pumpkin pie, set up a Christmas tree and enjoyed the first snow of the season.  We stayed up late talking and enjoying family.  Got up early to let the cousins play and eat together.  And then we  headed back to AZ at 11 am and were home in time for church and getting new callings!  (I am in the YW's for the first time ever :) and Dave is the Sunday School president!)   

Someone in the ward invited us over for dinner, so I didn't even have to worry that I hadn't prepared anything before church.  I think that was the first time we were invited over to someone's home who we hadn't invited over to ours first!  So thankful for friendly people and friends!

We were in Utah for a total of 18 hours.  This is close to the 20 hour trip to CA, but still our shortest trip yet.  I really enjoy traveling.  The kids are usually really good and it gives me time to focus on them, or when Hallie falls asleep I get to do sudoku or watch a movie or read scriptures.  So even though it was a short trip, I think it was worth the travel time.  Airline travel is long, but since it is broken up (car, shuttle, security, boarding plane, take off, DRINKS, landing, car ride) it doesn't feel that long.