The Best Christmas Ever

Don't we say this every year... ? We should - Christmas is all about family and if we are together - it is the best year ever!

We've had many great experiences this year and we talked about it last night:

Having a temple built across the street - we can see it from our front yard, and we can see another new one from our back yard. Participating in the "celebration night" to celebrate these new temples. Helping at the open house and attending as often as we can get over there. It's so absolutly gorgeous! We love going with friends and spending that special time in the temple together and then enjoying a late dinner afterwards. Good times!

Going on trek with our oldest son and being able to form relationships with other great youth that were our children for four short days. Feeling the spirit of the pioneers who sacrificed everything to give us freedom of religion and a place to live our religion and not be persecuted.

Watching our oldest son turn 16 and responsibly handling all the adult things that come with it: driving, dating, job, etc. (he's had a job since 14 and he takes it seriously.) We are grateful for his reliability and integrity.

Vacationing in Moab (for the first time) with good friends. Hiking, camping, driving; seeing the beautiful, rugged landscape of that part of our state. So awesome! Saying goodbye to old neighbors, but making room for new friendships and loved ones. Just adds to our list of dear friends. Still missing the ones who moved away!!!

Spending time with extended family and watching the cousins enjoy being together. We always have so much fun together! Hiking to Timpanogas Cave and Inspiration Peak. Watching Grandpa make it all the way to the top. Way to go Grandpa!

Serving my mom as she had two foot surgeries and being able to give back a little of the love she has given to me all of my life.

Running my first marathon.

Spending the year with all four of our sons. Watching them get older and growing into the potential they have to become great men. Chuckling as they discover life and it's lessons. Entertained at their antics, and just grateful they are a part of our lives and we've been trusted with these four great spirits in our home.

Serving and giving to those in need during this Christmas season.

We are so grateful to our Savior; his birth, his life, his love, his sacrifice.