The Holidays

It is amazing at how little time I have for the "fun" stuff, like blogging anymore. We had a really good Christmas this year. Brandon and I are humbled at just how blessed we are. The kids were with us for the first half of their Christmas break this year. The first night we were all together the Wright's came over. Sometimes we go a few months without getting together, but when we do it's as if it's only been a few days. We had fun eating, catching up, and letting the kids party late into the night. A couple weeks after Christmas, we got together again for a sleepover in a home they are trying to sell. We stayed up late goofing around, playing games, having dance parties in this great empty house. I am in love with the home they are selling. Cody wouldn't take $50 for it. Hmph! All of my brothers were in town for Christmas. It was so great to be together and just hang out. My Dad was supposed to come up but due to health concerns will be coming in February. During the break, the girls also had friends over. They went caroling while in the middle of facials. Yes, you read that right. Covered in green mud.

Brandon and I were on our own for New Years Eve this year, and so I took him to a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight in downtown Ogden and then we went to a fancy dinner. Yes, you read that right, MMA fighting and fine dining.
Prior to the evening activities Brandon and I went flyfishing, a new hobby I have started with Brandon. It was my second time ever (the first time was about 10 years ago). We fished the Weber river. I have loved learning to fish with Brandon. I love all of it. Getting up at the crack of dawn, breakfast in the car, the drive, the day fishing, lunch after in small town and the drive back. It really is so fun and I am glad he and the kids have introduced me to it. My favorite moment of our New Year's Eve night was when we were walking back to the car and Brandon says, "Did I just go to an MMA fight wearing a scarf???" Yes, babe. You did.

Let's see, what else? Lilly turned 14 in the beginning of January. I am still a volunteer advocate at Safe Harbor and have just started on at the YCC in Ogden as a volunteer advocate as well, working in their women's shelter one day a week. Elizabeth lost a tooth. Brandon is busy with work and loves teaching for Weber State. Lilly made the school musical. The twins had their baptism, what a special day. We were so overcome with the spirit. Liz and Luke are such great examples. Laura is getting ready for a busy few months of competing in dance. Charlie is growing so fast and doing well with the potty training til last night....he peed on Laura's coat. UGH He and Jerry continue to be best buds.

The days seem to blur into weeks for me lately...I never knew I could be this busy and not be working. Our mission continues to be a source of great strength for Brandon and I, we enjoy every minute of it.

Here are a bunch of pictures from Christmas and January....We hope everyone had as good of a holiday as we did!!!

Quick Update

Things have been so hectic. Christmas was great. Brandon and I spent the last week of our break together playing and having fun, it was such a fun break for us. I've started back to school and he has started back to work. The twins were baptized last weekend. We are so very proud of them. Aunt Natalie took some pictures of the twins the weekend before. Hopefully I will have time to do a real update soon!