Christmas Time Once Again

 I really love Christmas time, and this year we tried to enjoy the "season" all month long. We had our tree up the entire month, and Canyon did very well to not touch because we were very consistent. We put up our tree and some extra lights just inside while Canyon napped, and when he woke up from his nap we were able to surprise him. He wasn't entirely sure what all the fuss was about, but I enjoyed every bit of it.

We got the opportunity to go to Advent Sunday's with the Hoeger's again this year, and what a wonderful tradition that is. I really enjoyed it, and it's not just because we get cookies every time :) The Holiday season just feels warm, and welcoming. In the Hoeger home, they adopted the German tradition of celebrating an "Advent Sunday" for the Four Sunday's prior to Christmas. They make several different kinds of cookies (ie. sugar cookies, ....) Each Sunday you light a candle (one for each Sunday so the first you only light one, but for the fourth you light four) and read Christmas stories while you snack on cookies. It is a really cool tradition that I am grateful to have been a part of.

Because both Casey and I work consistently, we were grateful for the opportunity to go to Utah for a whole week this Christmas! The biggest tradition I remember growing up with for Christmas has always been the Christmas Eve nativity reenactment we do with my Mom's family. This year I'm afraid will probably be my grandma Summers' last year. She came, and though she is in the later stages of Lewey Body (a form of dementia), I think she enjoyed it. My uncle Richard even got her to sing a couple of songs with him. It was really a wonderful experience to be there with her. I watched her closely with tears in my eyes, and she would look at me (because I was directly in front of her) after her song was over and give me a constant grin as if to say (what are you crying for?). I love my Grandma so much.

Canyon got to be a wise man in the nativity this year, and he was VERY displeased with the crown that I made him wear. He eventually got over it, and looked so handsome, though he wouldn't hold still to even get good pictures!

We got to stay at my parents house for Christmas and my brother Josh and his family did as well. I could hear the girls out in the living room VERY early checking out the surprises Santa had left them. I am excited for when Canyon gets old enough to really enjoy it! Canyon didn't really care much that he had presents to open...rather, he played with some VERY OLD army men my mom had in a bin. I got to open all his presents and mine! Oh, what fun :)

Christmas landed on a Sunday this year, so we had the privilege of going to the Sacrament meeting in Eureka. The chapel was full. I was very impressed with all of the people that showed up!!! Especially on Christmas Morning. I guess the members had been encouraged to invite someone to come with them, and they did a fantastic job. It was really special.

Canyon's Christmas Eve Jammies. The one present he did open!

Canyon really loves dogs...especially Happy.

My dad has a side table that Canyon dubs his man cave while we visit.

The bin of army men that Canyon wouldn't put down

Cousins: Becca, and Ani

Coolest present ever! Canyon loves his car from Grandma Susy

We enjoyed playing Just Dance on the Wii...Adults, and kids were jumping around!

On New Years Eve, we didn't really stay up, but we did watch a movie at Papa's before going to bed...Canyon loved the popcorn.

Canyon playing with his cousins: Kylise and Maddie.

The entire week we were in Utah, there was never really a quiet moment. Coming from a bigger family makes  for some loud get-togethers! Unfortunately, I felt like I wasn't ever really able to spend much quality time with anyone. When there is a lot of people around, it just doesn't feel like you're necessarily "with" anyone. I don't know if that makes sense or not, but either way...I'm grateful I had the opportunity to spend the Christmas Holiday with Family.

I of course couldn't take a break from teaching Zumba, so I taught each morning at the church for whoever felt like getting up early enough to get a workout in. I loved having my mommy and sisters in my class again.

Canyon spent a lot of time just playing, but towards the end of the week, he started to get restless and wanted to "go" all the time. I felt bad because he just wanted out and even though we had went from a couple of different houses, it wasn't enough. I loved that Canyon took a liking to my niece Emma. She is 10 and she is great with kids. I know she will be an awesome mommy someday. She would just let Canyon take her by the hand and lead her wherever his heart desired. It was a nice break! I loved that Canyon was able to spend time with his cousins, he did a lot of watching and learning.

I always have a little bit of a hard time when it comes time to leave again. It's not that I don't like Boise, I am doing very well up there...no complaints, but I do miss my family very much. We traveled home on New Year's Day after attending Josh's baby boy Jace's baby blessing in Bountiful, Utah. I was glad that Josh was able to get the special permission to have him blessed so that we could be there. We had one more quick family lunch and hit the road. We were able to get a quick family picture which felt practically impossible, and there may be some unhappy faces, but at least we're almost all there (Camille is the only missing family member).

Uncle Chandler is a lot of fun to play with!

Canyon playing with Uncle Ryan

We were blessed to return home to our beautiful home, empty as it was, it was safe and we were happy.

Hopefully I can get my hands on some more pictures...