Christmas Eve at home...

We celebrated a quiet Christmas Eve at home with a simple dinner, a short program and gift exchange. Courtney surprised us with a gift of music. She had learned 'Angels We Have Heard On High' all by herself out of the hymnal and had wrapped a note in a special gift box with the words, "Sit back and enjoy the music, my gift to you." Just brought a tear to our eye and a lump to our throat. She is sporting the new hat Grandpa made her and Pat also has his new 'Husky' hat on. I play 'Mrs. Claus' in my special apron. Quite festive!

We packed up the next morning and flew out on the 3:45 p.m. plane to Utah, leaving Pat to fend for himself for 6 days! Between mixed nuts, a beef stick and 19 James Bond movies, he survivied quite well, thank you very much!

BUILD-A-BEAR...introducing 'Fluffy' the Bear

Courtney received gift cards to Build A Bear and so, the day after Christmas (the WORST day to go out!) found us at Fashion Place Mall in Utah at the Build A Bear store. We wrestled the crowds and chose items from the picked-over inventory to find the perfect bear, clothes and accessories. Then a phone call to Dad at home in Washington to share our good news.

Joshua's Sealing...

The day was bitterly cold, the sky blue, the snow deep, the temple crowded with holiday weddings. What a perfect anniversary gift-sealing your precious son to you as an eternal family. Such was our delightful experience on December 27th at 3 p.m. in the Salt Lake Temple with the same sealer who had performed the sealing for Sarah and Andrew exactly 5 years ago. The Lord is indeed mindful of us - aware and involved in the details of our lives. What a special and sacred event I was priviledged to be a part of. Thank you, Sarah and Andrew, for allowing me the opportunity to play a small part in your special occasion. It is forever imprinted in my mind and on my heart.

Some of the people we saw and love....

Of course, I am terrible at taking lots of photos. My camera and I are rarely in the same place at the same time...so here is a smattering of photos of loved ones we saw while in Utah over Christmas-New Year. Josh has the most beautiful blue eyes and the most gentle and happy disposition! Rylee was my shadow - which I happily enjoy! The 'four on the couch' bunch was just a casual afternoon together.