"Merry Christmas to all..."

I refuse to believe that Christmas is a mere six days away...already!!! How the time flies... We have been busy having all sorts of Christmas time fun!! Jane had her school Christmas program and it was just as darling as last year. I really love Jane's little school- they do such a fabulous job!!  Jane sang Hanukkah songs with actions, Santa songs with jingle bells and Santa hats and Silent Night with dimmed lights and candles!!  Her class also stood together and recited a poem.

 We were so proud of our sweet daughter and how she is growing to be such a beautiful, talented and vivacious little lady!!

 We also had our Ward Christmas party which was wonderful.  Jane was so excited to be an angel in the Nativity play that was put on. 

 Aren't these the most adorable little angels you have ever seen?!! I know each of these little cuties super well from working in the Primary and just love them!!

 This is what Beckham did during the show... boy, he really takes after his daddy! :)

 Here are all the kids during the final number.

 Ryan even got roped into singing one number in the show cause some of the other men weren't able to make it.  I laughed and I laughed!! He did such a great job even though he hated every second of it-hehe!!

It is always nice to recognize our blessings this time of year and I am overwhelmed with how blessed I have been!!  I love my life! I have the most amazing family (that includes ALL of my family :). And I will always be grateful for the gospel in my life and for my savior, especially at this time of year. Sometimes I wonder how I could ever live in this world without my faith.  I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

Best Thanksgiving Ever and Holiday Fun!!

 Things have been busy around these parts getting ready for Christmas and all!! However, we had a chance to go to a Med Group Children's Christmas Party the other night!!  It turned out to be a lot of fun and I was able to meet many of Ryan's co-workers!!  But most of all, it was a blast for the kids!! Here they are playing a huge connect four game...

 They also got to decorate Christmas ornaments!!

 Jane was THRILLED to see Santa and she just gave him a big hug and chatted his ear off about who knows what.  The girl really know how to work it, I guess...but it was pretty darling.  Santa gave her some small Mermaids and they have been quite the hit ever since.

 A few weeks ago we were able to go to New York and spend Thanksgiving with Bryan and Wendy, Matthew and Courtney, all the kids and my dad, who made the quick trip out here just for Thanksgiving!!  It was the greatest Thanksgiving ever!  It has been soooo nice and comforting to have family relatively close. And it seriously hurts my heart to know that it won't be that way for much longer.  But that fact made this Thanksgiving extra special for me!! Know one noticed, but I secretly teared up several times thinking about all the wonderful times we have been able to spend together on the east coast and all the amazing memories we have made!!  I will definately miss this and remember this as being a very special time in my life!  Here are all the sweet cousins!!

 This picture was just too cute not include!!  Jack is really sporting a great Bryan crusty right there :)

 Here we all are enjoying the amazing dinner and Bryan and Wendy worked tirelessly to prepare!!  It was truly delicious!!

 In keeping with tradition, Ryan took a nice long Thanksgiving nap-haha!

 All the kids LOVED having grandpa there.  It was such a special treat having him there.

 This is my favorite picture of the day!!  What a beautiful family this is.  And we cannot ignore that AMAZING turkey that Bryan made.  I was very impressed!!

So, as usual, life is good and I feel so amazingly blessed!!!  Thanks to Bryan and Wendy for making this the BEST Thanksgiving ever!