My family

We had such a wonderful holiday season altogether as a family. We enjoyed lots of great food, game playing, and spending quality time together. I love how I had a chance to get to know my sister in law Georgia a little bit better. Because Bryce and her live so far I feel like it is hard to really get that quality time but I feel like I got it this time. I loved being able to feel my baby nephew kick and be apart of her pregnancy. She is such a great person. So kind and loving and I can really see how she is so good for my brother. She has already helped him become a better man and that is what marriage is all about. We wanted to do so many things when we were together but time goes by so fast. Before Christmas we got to go to Arizona to celebrate with Tommys family. We went to this restaurant for sushi and it was soooo good. I am not even a huge sushi fan and I wish I could go back for more. It was delicious. We exchanged gifts and just had with each other. It was a quick trip. For christmas eve we went to aunt sherrys like we always do for traditions. We had all our traditional appetizer food. Homemade bread, meat balls, cheese sticks, bean dip, and lots of sweets and lots more I am forgetting. Those are my favorites (I honestly don't eat very many sweets cause I know all the other stuff so much.)   This year we had so much fun laughing and talking together. Without as many little ones around it really changes the feel and the excitement. I would have to say the high light for this years Christmas Eve was watching my grandma laugh so hard she couldn't control it as my aunt sherry told funny stories and memories from the past.

This is a picture of us from New Years Eve. We had a lot of fun playing games and eating good food with each other. We were lucky this year that we had beautiful weather for Christmas and the days that followed. Wonderful for going to the beach. We ended up taking Georgia to several beaches this trip. We went to Venice(which we each decided we didn't want to go again because it feels so evil there), Newport(Balboa Peir) we ate at Ruby's which was a lot of fun, This beautiful park thats by the Newport Beach temple I don't even know the name but pics to follow, and Santa Monica Pier.

I really need to blog about my amazing summer one of these days. I got to go to Florida new jersey and Texas. It was a great trip. The last few weeks I had an amazing time with my family. Manda and Scot came from Texas. Georgia  and Bryce from Georgia and even Brett and Courtney came from Idaho. We had some really good times. I can't wait to see everyone again. It's so sad living so far from everyone. Even though we had so much fun it just wasn't the same without caitie. Throughout my time off of school and work I had some time to ponder and think. I was able to watch videos from our vacation in Florida and and to hear Caitlin laugh. I love that girls laugh. She is so special to me. There's so many times I wish I could call her and talk to her but I am proud of her and know she is suppose to be in japan at this time. She is a great example. As much as I miss her I couldn't help but think about how she feels as she is away from all of us all alone. At least we have each other. I pondered my time as a missionary. The struggle is real but the blessings that come are amazing. The way you learn and grow is an experience that is incredible. I feel privileged The Lord wanted that for me. I am so glad Caitlin gets to experience that and we both can relate. I love my family. I cherish our time together and I love that we r able to make memories together. I am so blessed.

We loved being able to go to church as a family and be in the temple. It is such a great feeling to know that we can all be together forever and feel the peace that the temple brings to us.