Christmas Eve...

Christmas Eve we did our traditional Shrimp Boil, opening presents, and playing games.  Ty, Ash and their kids were here too.  We missed Spence, Car, the twins and Justin this year!

Justin sent each of the kids a present to open. He sent them each an "Elder Bear" (Justin is serving his mission in San Francisco and has been out for 4 months).  Each had a backpack and all, and inside the backpack was a personal note from Justin.  Uncle Justin is the best!

Reading Owen's letter from Justin to him, totally made me cry. Justin is so thoughtful and Owen will cherish that little note forever! And so will I.

Owen opening his jammies from Grandma and Grandpa.  (We bathed the kids and got them all ready for bed before opening presents, hence the naked-ness).  Owen was really into the wrapping paper.

Crew, Gracelyn, and Owen wearing their Christmas pj's and reading their Christmas books from Grandma.

The big kids in our pajamas.

We always get a new game on Christmas Eve too.  Clearly, Brett and I are a little more excited than Ty and Ash.  Uno Flash, love it!

 We are heading to Denver to spend some time with Craig and Sheri tomorrow!!  We are loving spending time with family.  I'll get to the Christmas Day pics soon...sadly, I only got a few.  I have to steal some from my parents.

Star-Struck...

Owen met Santa last night. 

He liked him just about as much as he liked the snow.

Snow!!

This weekend we went with our friends the Hutchinson's and the Berry's went up to the Hutchinson's family cabin in Heber.

We had such a fun weekend playing in the snow, playing games, watching movies, and eating so much good food. 

Owen got his first taste of the snow.....

Doesn't he look excited?

Linley pulled him around in the sled and he started dozing off...

 

He was quite comfy.  The still-too-big puffy coat helped (he can't really move in it).

Brett took him down a hill on the sled.  

 

And four wheeling (in the driveway).  Owen, once again, looking thrilled!

He didn't laugh or even crack a smile.  But he didn't whine or cry either.  I think he likes it, but we'll have to give the whole "snow" thing another go. 

Thanksgiving...Giving thanks

A little late, but better than never...

This year we spent Thanksgiving with Brett's Aunt & Uncle Janet and Roger and their families, along with Grandma Denney, Arlene & Emily, and Vicki. 

The food was amazing.  Janet & Roger make a great team when it comes to makin' a turkey.  Wow.  You know it must have been good if I'm still thinking about it a week later.  

The company was great.  Owen had so much fun (in between his cranky, teething fits) with his cousins. 

This year, more than anything I've been reminded of how grateful I am for family; my family, Brett's family, our extended family (that takes us in on Thanksgiving) and our "fake" families.  I don't have family from my side close by, so I'm grateful that Brett does and that I feel like they are my family too. 

I'm thankful for the phone calls, emails,  facebook chats, and skypes from family members that live states away.  Staying connected is important.

I'm grateful for sister-in-laws who feel just like the sisters I always wanted (no offense Tyler, Spencer, or Justin. I'm grateful for you too.  A girl just needs some sisters.)

I'm thankful for friends that are like family. You know who you are!

And I'm so grateful for the two handsome fellas in my life.  I love you both to pieces!