[2manyks]

i need some fresh ideas. what is everyone giving the neighbors for christmas. also, i am burned out and need some fun family acitvities too. lets hear the ideas.

[saxxxy]

Hi There,

I am here in Utah also.

This year I am going to do apples and an apple dip for neighbors. The apple dip is a box of cream cheese, 1/3 cup of caramel sauce (like for ice cream), and half a bag of toffee bits (I like chocolate covered). Mix it all together and it is a scrumptious apple dip.

For family activities have you tried Wheeler Farm? I have never been, but heard they do hay rides and Santa this time of year.
I am very interested in ideas for how to entertain a two year old throughout the cold winter.

[scrapshappen]

I'm in Utah too.

This year we are making winter-themed magnets for the refrigerator or those trendy magnet boards that are everywhere. Last year, I bought everyone a roll of gift wrap with a tag that said something like, "As we 'wrap' up another year. . ." It was a big hit. My neighbor is giving boxes of tissues with a note attached that says something like "We wish you a merry tissue-mas and God Bless you this year" I thought that was really clever.

As for things to do, I think we are going to try to go to Hyrum this year and go to Hardward Ranch. I understand they have sleigh rides out to view the elk.

For something to do with little kids inside, try the new Discovery Utah at the Gateway in Salt Lake. A little pricey, but they have tons of stuff for all ages. And my dh took my ds to the Aquarium preview exhibit in Sandy a few weeks ago. I think he paid something like $36 for an annual family pass and we will be returning several times this winter. We've taken outings to Southtowne mall just to ride the merry-go-round too. Cheaper than a lot of things, but still not free.

[2manyks]

ok, i'm liking the tissue box idea. my dh owns a janitorial supply and we have tissue coming out our ears!

don't you love the snow. all my beautiful children are outside playing in it. the first snow day is my favorite day of the year!

[Forever_family]

you are all making me homesick! I'm in NY, not so bad all of the time but I everytime I visit Utah I am in awe of everything that is geared towards families and kids. The Utah kid friendly activities are like no other place on this planet I imagine!! So jelouse right now. I struggle to find an activity/sport/anything to involve us in that is not on Sunday...

[aspenhall]

thats funny, I'd rather be in NY.....much more stuff in manhattan to do than in utah!

[lovestory]

A couple of years ago I did homemade salsa and homemade chips. (where you cut the small corn torillas into 6 pie shape pieces, then fry them, sprinkle with salt while still warm)

My neighbors all loved it. Very festive looking (red salsa with green onions, and green peppers, etc) I put the salsa in a gladwear container with a green lid. The chips in a storage bag, with a green twist tie.

My Mom always makes bread. (We got a small loaf of apple bread from my neighbor last week, YUM)

As far as activities for children...that's tough. Here in AZ the weather allows for the kiddos to play outside (it's the summers that we have a hard time figuring out what to do with the kiddos)

Good luck,
Stephanie

[Forever_family]

Aspen,

We only make it to the city a few times a year if that-we are more upstate. Only have taken my girls once and that was a wonderful family memory. I'm hoping to take them to see Wicked this spring (they don't know, it will be a surprise!) Anyway we are in upstate NY and there are many wonderful things about living here but sometimes I get extremely homesick for large LDS populations and great/wholesome family activities that don't involve me being creative...you guys in Utah have no idea how good you have it .

Off topic but I cannot find a single sport to put my dd's in that doesn't involve either competition or games on Sunday, not a one! Very frustrating for not only myself but especially my dd's. And when I explained to my dd's gymastic coaches that we will not compete on Sundays they look at me like I'm an alien (confused) "so...is that a religious thing?" I'm thinking of starting a petition or organizing something with all of the local clergy to at least let organizations and the local general public know that this IS one of the 10 commandments and that is why we beleive Sunday is a "day of rest." Wish I had more time!

[aspenhall]

sounds like a great idea! I'd put together one from the parents on the team stating they'd prefer no sunday games as well if given the choice...

[scrapshappen]

OK. I had the tissue thing all wrong. The saying that goes with it is "We tissue a merry Christmas and God bless you this year." Very clever! Too bad it was my neighbor's idea so I can't use it!