We spent Christmas morning with my parents and later that day Michael had to leave. He drove with Ron and Ronda (my cousins) to Salt Lake City and then flew to Canada the next day to be with his girlfriend, Arianna, for the holidays.
On Christmas day, we prepared a Roast Beef and Yorkshire pudding dinner. (That's traditional for our family now.) My sister, Sue, and her husband, Dave, and their three children (Jase, Sydney, and Lexi) came over that night. I loved being with them. We played Christmas Bingo and had a blast. I don't think I'll ever forget my dad winning a party hat and acting crazy! It was also hilarious that my sister won three different lint dusters. We laughed and laughed!
While in St. George, we saw the movie, Les Miserables. I have to say that's probably the best movie I've ever seen. I cried through much of it. There's so many great lessons in that film, and the teachings of repentance, forgiveness, and mercy conveyed in the film really touched my heart. I also was overwhelmed with the message of how deeply and dearly families love each other. I know it, but it was portrayed so beautifully in the film.
Another recreational activity William and I enjoyed in St. George was hiking the hill behind my parent's home. We had so much fun together, even though it was a bit cold.
While in St. George we were able to spend time with William's sister, Kari, and her husband Ron, and their children Lucy, and Jaynie. It was great to be with them as well. We also saw my Aunt Elaine in St. George and visited her home. We also visited my sister at her home. I wish I could have spent more time with my sister. The time went by so fast.
I feel very blessed that we were able to be with my family for the holidays. It was such a treat to spend Christmas with them!
On December 27th we drove to Salt Lake City. I'm grateful we could use Michael's car while he was with Arianna. We stayed a few days with Laura Lee, a few days with Jeff and Jenn, and a few days with Ryan and Sarah. We loved doing that.
There is something heartwarming about staying with your children and seeing them in their own environment. We're so proud of each of them. We especially loved being with our grandchildren! They bring us so much joy!
On William's birthday, December 29 we spent the evening with William's parents and loved being together. We took them to a wedding reception in Bountiful and it was just lovely being with them.
On December 30th, little Owen was blessed. It was such a wonderful day. We hadn't met him before this trip. It was so wonderful to have my parents and William's parents there for this happy occasion. Little Owen was just so sweet and he was an angel on the day of his blessing. Sarah held an open house afterwards and it was chaotic with all the children there running around, but it was such a happy chaos!
All of Sarah's family were there for the blessing but Sarah's missionary brother, Hunter, and all of our family was there but our missionary son, Tanner. That is just so cool!
On January 4th we drove to pick up Michael from the airport. We then drove to my brother's home (Steve) to visit him, his wife, Michele, and all of their children. It was terrific to see them again. That evening we drove to Melissa's (William's sister) home and played Christmas Bingo. We also celebrated all the December family birthdays while there.We had a great time together.
William and I then rented a car on December 5th and drove back to Las Vegas. We spent a night there and I flew back to Ohio while William stayed in there for a convention.
Favorite memories during Christmas 2013 include:
1. Owen's baby blessing - so spiritual and so precious!
2. Working out with Laura Lee (as my personal trainer) and working out at Jeffrey's home
3. Hiking the hill with William behind my parent's home
4. Spending time at each child's home and loving the homes and environments they created
5. Christmas Bingo nights :) Just too fun!
6. Having all our family together for Owen's baby blessing (except for Tanner)
7. Helping Jenn watch Chloe because she had her tonsils out and was bedridden for days
8. Shopping for our children and buying them gifts for Christmas and Birthdays
9. Talking with Elder Tanner Davis on Christmas Day and feeling his sweet spirit
10. Eating Eggs Benedict (incredible!) with William in Las Vegas
11. Watching Les Miserables with William and my parents
Least Favorite memories
1. William's bowel issues while at Marc and Laura Lee's (thank heavens Marc is a doctor)
2. Laura Lee breaking her arm while snowboarding
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