Hot! Hot! Hot! Hot Chocolate!

We had so much fun on the Christmas train. There was cookies, hot chocolate, elves and even Santa. I keep looking out the window thinking there should be SNOW!

Happy Monday

And Santa Whispered. "Teach the children the true meaning of Christmas."
The Star: A heavenly sign of prophecy fulfilled long, long, ago. The shining hope of mankind.
Red: The first color of Christmas symbolizing the Savior's sacrifice for all.
Fir Tree: Evergreen - The 2nd color of Christmas shows everlasting life. The needles point heaven ward.
The Bell: Rings out to guide lost sheep back to the fold signifying that all are precious in the eyes of the Lord
The Candle: A mirror of starlight reflecting our thanks for the star of Bethlehem.
Gift Bow: Tied as we should all be tied together in bonds of good will forever.
Candy Cane: The shepherd's crook used to bring lambs back into the fold. A reminder that we are all our brother's keeper.
The Wreath: A symbol of the never ending eternal nature of love-having no beginning and no end.
I love when we have a productive and fun FHE. Everyone participated, there was minimal distractions, and yummy hot chocolate.

If John lifts Jess in the air above his head she freaks out. That is not a smile. She is mad.
But she loves to be upside down. I can't believe she is a few days shy of 10 months old.

Aquarium

WE Loved having Grandma and Grandpa visit us!!!!! We took a day trip to Monterey Bay Aquarium on Monday. Before driving back home we stopped at Bubba Gumps some yummy food.

















Now we are fighting the "I miss Grandma and Grandpa" blues. PLEASE COME BACK SOON!!

Disneyland

We drove down to So. Cal on Wednesday. When we got there the rest of our group was in SeaWorld, so we checked in and swam in the pool.

After dinner we had.......
Our favorite treat. ICE CREAM
Aunt Paige made these awesome shirts and water bottles.
What a sweet baby girl.
Me and my boys.
Walking to Disneyland from the motel.
The True Family standing inside Disneyland for the first time. We hope to make many trips back as a family. I actually got tears in my eyes when we walked in to park. What an amazing place to take a family vacation.
Emy was so cute with Jessi.

Uncle Scott had the tea cup flying.
Jay really thought he was going to pull it out.
Grandma and Grandpa with the grandkids. We sure did miss my baby brother and his family. There were 2 grandkids that were not in Disneyland with us.
Taylor and James plan where they want to go next.
Wyatt and Jessi take a bottle break while the rest of us eat lunch.
Jay and Mason enjoyed every minute they had together.
Jess takes a ride in the backpack.


We all went to a Character Breakfast on Friday. Here is the gang with Chef Goofy.



Building your own light-savor was a must for these guys. I'm sure our neighbors at the motel loved the sounds coming from our room.
The boys all loved the Lego store.
And ended up all leaving with a lego set. Toy Story for the twins and star wars for the Johns.

circle of life

This week we welcomed another Niece to our family. As I was looking at her beautiful picture and thinking about family it took me back to when I first became an Aunt. It was my 22nd birthday. John and I had been married 9 months. I feel blessed to share my birthday with Tanner. It reminds me every year of the importance of family. When I was growing up my Aunts and Uncles were very special to me. I looked up to them and wanted to be just like them. I guess things really haven't changed. I still find strength in the love and support I get from my extended family. I feel like I have a long way to go in being the Aunt to my nieces and nephews that mine are to me.
Since John and I got married in Feb 1999 we have added 3 sons, one daughter, 5 sister-in-laws, 1 brother-in-law, 9 nieces, and 9 nephews to our family. Right now there are 13 grandkids on each side. That is a lot of change in 12 years. While I am reflecting I am reminded of the grandparents we have lost. When we got married we had 7 grandparents at the temple with us. I had already lost a grandma 2 years before but John had all 4 of his. This year 2011 my other grandma passed away. She was the last one to go.
I am so grateful for my knowledge of Forever Families. I know that when we leave this life we will be united with our loved ones that have passed on. We have a Heavenly Father that loves each one of us. Our Savior Jesus Christ lives. There is a living Prophet that walks on the earth today. I know these things are true with all my heart.