Eastmond Party 2010 and Heading Home

Yes, we're still in December (second-to-last post, I promise) and it's the day of the Eastmond Family Party!  Because we made the trek up to Utah, the family had postponed the party from their original date so we could join them.  We've never been to one of their parties, so it was really fun.

First to arrive was Lisa with Laura, her littlest "Baby Bell."  She came early because she had to leave early.

Ryan left me take his photo. . .

. . . then became suddenly shy.

  He was about the only child I was able to take a picture of because the rest went downstairs to play in Dan and Ann's family room.

Now we can start the party--Tim and Jessica are here!

Andrea arrived somewhere in here, and Annie holds her son Daniel, who is expressing his independence.

 Andrea and Daniel.

We need more chairs! so Dan brings them up.

Kim and Matthew and family arrive, and now the party's really in full swing.

 

Grandpa Dave and Megan.

See what I mean by full swing?

Nick, Tim, Jessica and Suzanne. 

  Notice the snow outside.  We were lucky to avoid any huge snowstorms--rain mostly this week.

Jacob and Irene prepare a salad for the potluck.

Esther read her little sister Lucy a book while they wait for the dinner to start.

 Earl loves children, especially the babies (he's talking to Danielle).

Heather and Greg--the newliest-weds have arrived.

Megan found a new treat she liked: chocolate-dipped pretzel sticks.

Earl brought out his accordion and the fun began.

Emilee ran over to the piano, trying to keep up with Earl.  His music is infectious!

The Twenty-Somethings: Heidi, Brent, Michael, Kendrick, Jeremy.

Just as Matthew was leaving, we caught him in a photo with Nick and Irene, as well as Dave.

Abe and Bob.

Abe and his wife, Desirae.  She brought some really yummy "cake balls."

Michael gives Abe and Desirae's little son a ride (sorry, I don't know his name--looks like I'd better go to more of these family parties).

 Up the next morning early (thanks Dan and Ann for letting us stay!), and out the door to California, passing through some wintry weather on the way.

 The Virgin River was swift, muddy and very high.

But after hitting Vegas, the blue sky came around again.

 

We knew there had been a LOT of rain when we saw these lake-sized puddles alongside Interstate 15. They were on both sides of the road.

electrical lines across the desert

 

 I'm always fascinated by the miles and miles of electrical power lines that come across the desert.  So this time we turned off near Calico and went to look at some up close. When I stood here, under the lines, I could hear them humming.  Truly weird--I don't know from what.  And occasionally I could hear crackling.  These structures are massive.

So, that's our December, but only up to the 23rd.