Ekins Express

New Year's

The end of this year was the first of lasts, the last of firsts. Do you follow? Let me explain. Matt and I had to say goodbye recently to two very dear friends. Well, friends meaning restaurants. You see, the first restaurant-Made in Brazil-opened in St. George almost one year ago. The owner/manager is a guy that served in the same mission as Matt - Sao Paulo Brazil. He invited us to eat at the new restaurant the night before opening night. We were the first and only customers that night. From there, the place took off. Everyone loved the food. Unfortunately, due to the harsh economy right now and their location, they had to close their doors. We were fortunate enough to eat there two more times (in the same day) the day before they ended their delicious journey. MIB - you will be missed. It wasn't your food that kept people from coming... just their empty wallets. We were lucky to still have a gift card that needed to get used.




Dad and Abby having "war" with the meat prongs






I personally will miss the Brazilian limeade and cheese bread. Luckily, I was able to buy two dozen rolls of cheese bread and I know how to make the limeade.

And THEN, we received news that Leo's in Delta was selling it's business to a new owner. I was devastated... UNTIL I learned that everything would stay the same except for the name. Phew! Though I will dearly miss Lynn and Leo (original owners), thank you for not taking my onion rings, Delta Burger, and Reese's Peanut Butter shake away.




We met Grandma, Grandpa, the Olson's, and the Grover's at Leo's for a late lunch the day we arrived in Delta for the New Year. Karen (Grover) has an amazing ability to make the coolest winter hats. This is the one she made for Everett. Thank you Karen! We love it.


Abby had fun trying on a bunch of Karen's homemade hats.


Grandma and Grandpa Ekins Christmas tree


Our little family stayed with Great Grandpa Nickle and Barb since there wasn't quite enough space at Gr. and Gr. Ekins. The kids had fun sitting on Grandpa's lap and listening to him talk. He's 90 years old!!


Hanging out at the table after a delicious New Year's meal by Grandma Linda.


Aunt Karen has the touch!


Barb, Grandpa Nickle, A, M, E, Grandma Linda, me!


FOUR generations! Cool. I never got to meet any of my great grandparents.


Zachary and Valarie Olsen... Zach and Rett are about 11 months apart. Val has been wonderful to pass along clothes that little Zach has grown out of. Thank you! I loved this kid's red hair, big eyes, and chubby cheeks! So dang cute.


The boys (pictured are Lynn Spencer, Kelly Olson, Matt, and David) went ice fishing on New Year's morning and brought three big fish home. Supposedly, Matt caught the biggest one but decided to release it. So he was called a "tree hugger" for the rest of the day. Grandpa David should have been called that with his new beard. It actually suits him quite well!




Abby just can't get enough of Grandpa David's swing in the basement. She was riding it so much she had to put a pillow on it to keep her cheeks from getting too sore.


A big hut Abby's boy cousins made


I guess Uncle Lynn has the touch as well!


Aubrey and Cody Spencer along with Abby spent almost two hours in Grandpa Nickle and Barb's hot tub the morning before we left.


Do you think this little guy enjoyed being held or what?!

We wanted to get back for church on Sunday because it was Abby's first day in Sunbeams! She was excited, but I think Mom and Dad were even more excited. Her teacher, Sister Stephens, left her a treat and name tag on the door and even called to tell us she was excited to have Abby in her class. Everything went so well. Abby loved singing time with all of the Primary kids and felt pretty special by her teacher.

Abby and Rett after church


I love this picture... I think it will forever be a favorite. This is Abby wearing her Sunbeam name tag and the crown she made in class that day. She was so proud.




I seriously think this kid is going to play football someday. He has the hands and when we turn a game on, he just stares.


Hope you're all having a great start to the new year!