New Year's Eve fell on a Sunday this year. We had cleaned our carpets and upholstery the night before, so it was great to have our home like new! We drove to Orem for church to hear McKay speak in his childhood ward since we will be out of town for his farewell on January 14th. He was incredible. We saw a special side to him that we have never seen. He is humble and excited to serve. We are very proud of him!
After his farewell, we went back to our own ward for the 3rd block and then Taylor and I ran to the Stake Center to practice a choir number for Stake Conference next Sunday. From there, we ran home and grabbed both food and the kids and headed out to Jeff and Nicole's new home in Eagle Mountain. We hadn't see it since the foundation was poured so it was incredible to see it finished! It is a gorgeous home and both Jeff and Nicole are super proud of it. We couldn't be more happy for them and their hard work. From there, we dashed to Steve and Cheri's home for a yummy ham dinner with the Lindsays minus Connie. It was an enjoyable evening. I forgot to take pictures but suffice it to say we had a great night. Dave kept saying as we crawled into bed that he is living the dream being married and having such wonderful kids. I feel the same way. I have so much for which to be grateful.
I had soooo many plans for Christmas break! We had purchased season passes to Sundance so as we went into Christmas day, I pictured skiing most days, sitting in the hot tub, playing board games as a family, and just being together. But sometimes life just doesn't roll that way...and it didn't for me this holiday. Dave ended up getting pretty sick with a horrible cold which let to an awful eye infection and cold sore. He was so sick that I had to drive him several times to his patients and to doctor's visits. I felt so bad for him. He works so hard for our family and now that he is in school, he has even less free time, so he really needed this break. But on a positive note, we were able to lay low and accomplish a few projects.
Coach Steve called and asked if Alyssa could come in and play with the futsol team. After watching Brittney reveal she is having twin boys (we are soooo happy for her/ we have prayed for years for her), we went to an indoor court and Alyssa played a fabulous game. Because Steve was there coaching, both Cindy and Cheri came to the game so Alyssa was excited to have some fans there!
Merry Christmas!!!!!
Our morning started out with Dave being sick (sooo bummed and sad about this)! Cindy and Carson ended up staying with us last minute so that was fun to enjoy them. There were candy kisses leading from the basement---where the kids all slept--- to the Christmas gifts. Each of the children were thrilled with their Christmas gifts!!!! Taylor got some hair tools, clothes and cool shoes/boots. Jaxson got an iphone watch, some magnetic boards for his bedroom and some clothes. Austin was in heaven when he opened his Amazon Echo and....his first phone! And iphone 6s. Alyssa got her dreams filled too with a desk and slime supplies. Dave and I bought a fridge for downstairs, outdoor furniture, hardware for the basement, and some tools for working with wood. We were blessed to be together, in good health, and having solid jobs. Moreover, we are grateful for the birth of our Savior, the one who makes it possible to be together, forever, as a family.
We look forward to Christmas Eve with our grandparents each year! Their house is always picture-perfect with a train under the tree, beautifully decorated tables and mantels, and just Christmas everywhere! We ate some Mexican food, listened to Taylor and a few of the cousins share their talents in song, and then opened presents for over an hour. It was a lovely evening! Perhaps the best surprise for Dave was seeing his favorite uncle and aunt, Bob and Dawn! For the kids, they got their "white Christmas" with a wonderful little snow storm that came while we were eating dinner.
2017 family picture
I had to include our Christmas picture from last year (see above). Jaxson thinks he isn't growing but just look at how he is shooting up now! LOL!
