My goodness, where to start?! So many pictures!
We went back to my parents' house, changed clothes, and took Grace out into the snow for the first time! Well, the first time she's ever touched it or "played" in it. She didn't exactly like it... but did think it was funny when we threw snowballs back and forth.
We had a really wonderful Christmas holiday this year, even though some of my siblings (and their kids) weren't in town for it. Next year though. :) Going up to Salt Lake early (thank you mom and dad!!) was such a blessing for me. Over the week and a half we went out to lunch and dinner a few times, watched Christmas movies, visited with family and friends, cooked and baked, had a couple of game nights, long talks with my mom (I love those), enjoyed many parties, saw Narnia 3 with Ryan, shopped, attended both our parents' wards, and much much more!
On thursday night, Ryan's Grandpa Turner held his annual party with the whole extended family at his house. We had a great time with everyone, eating, opening presents, listening to musical numbers, and watching Grace shake her booty. She is QUITE the performer.
Grace blowing kisses to Aunt Tori
A few Turner siblings: Josh, Abby, Nick, Jessi
On thursday night, we went to Ryan's Grandma Symes' party. Lots of yummy food, of course, and seeing several families we hardly ever see. I didn't really take pictures at that one though. Oops.
Christmas morning was spent at my parents' house. It was quiet and easy-going, which was really nice. Grace is still too young to know what's going on and isn't waking us up super early to see what Santa delivered for her. But soon! :) And I'm really excited about that happening one day. Grace opened the few presents Santa brought (hand-tied fleece blanket, homemade jewelry box with her "pretties", a few little doggies, some princess books, and another children's Book of Mormon board book). She was really good at ripping the wrapping paper - I was impressed!
All her loot!
Ryan opening his stocking.
Grandma and Grandpa Goates (she calls them "mah mah" and "bah bah") gave her a Little People set with a princess and castle blocks. So cute!
We were also able to talk to my little brother who is still serving his mission in Bahia Blanca, Argentina. It was SOOO great to hear from him! I miss him so much - I know my whole family does. He's such a special kid and is a major piece to our family and the glue that holds us together. Just 8 more months and he'll be back home - YAY! The phone call was also really wonderful because my whole family was able to conference call all together. It made the miles between us all feel like nothing. :)
Christmas day was mostly spent with the Turners where we had an early supper (oh my heavens, SUCH good food!! I couldn't get enough). Everybody was there and it was really nice to be together for the first time in months. It's hard being the only members of the family who live away. :(
The 6 little kids went downstairs and had a DANCE PARTY to the Chipmunks Christmas tape. They insisted on having the lights off. haha They're so cute and even Grace would get involved for a few seconds before running away from the craziness.
Exchanging gifts and hanging out.
The 6 kids all got sleeping bags and little camp chairs so we can all go camping next summer!
On Christmas night we were back at my parents' house and gave Grace a MUCH-NEEDED nap really late in the day. But thank goodness we did. By the time she woke up at dinner time she was a much happier girl. We had a yummy dinner with my mom and dad and my brother and sis-in-law, exchanged presents afterwards, and enjoyed some relaxing time hanging out together. In fact most of us were in our pajamas after such a full day. Usually we play a Christmas trivia game, or pictionary, or something - but with only 6 adults (out of 11) we decided to watch How To Train Your Dragon and cuddle up with blankets in the basement. We brought up our copy since nobody else had seen it, and they all loved it! It was a perfect end-of-the-day activity. :) Especially on my dad's new, awesome entertainment system!
Photo op with Grandma and Grandpa Goates before we left town.
Photo op with Grandma and Grandpa Turner and Aunt Tori.
For the actual Christmas holiday, there was NO snow (at least not at my parents' house... there was a little higher up in elevation where Ryan's parents live). We were a bit disappointed. However, the next day, we went to sacrament meeting, came outside, and THIS is what had happened in just an hour and a half!
We went back to my parents' house, changed clothes, and took Grace out into the snow for the first time! Well, the first time she's ever touched it or "played" in it. She didn't exactly like it... but did think it was funny when we threw snowballs back and forth.
Her new thing is the point at everything.
Oh how I love that little face.
Our Christmas holiday was wonderful and we're so grateful for our families and being able to spend time with them! Thanks to both our parents for making us feel so special and loved. I'm grateful for this time of year and that it's easier to sing about, talk about, learn about, and think about our Savior all the time during this season. I discovered this year for the first time that I have a few very favorite Christmas songs: Oh Come All Ye Faithful (hymn book), Stars Were Gleaming (children's songbook), and Star Carol. There are many I love, and I had never narrowed it down before until now. Ask Ryan how much I dislike the silly/cheezy/obnoxious Christmas songs that play on the radio and whatnot... I really get annoyed with those ones. But this year, with a little one who is listening and learning about everything around her, I found myself once again catching the magic that goes into those songs, which is saying a lot for me! I'm sorry to see the holiday season coming to an end.
It was so much fun being in Utah the last couple weeks!
