Christmas in Utah

For the first time since Caite was a baby, Aaron had more than 3 days off work at Christmas. It worked out perfectly for us to take a little Utah Christmas Vacation and also baptize Miss Caite. First things first...The baptism. Caite was surrounded by the love of family and the Spirit was strong. Little 2 year old Krewz said it best when after Caite was baptized he jumped up and said "That was AWESOME!"

The next 2 days were spend in Fairview with Grandma and Grandpa Barentsen. Susie, Darin and Maddie joined us. There was much game playing, movie watching, and eating going on. Not to mention lots of laughter while playing "Minute to Win it". We celebrated Halle's 4th birthday and did Christmas with them on Christmas Eve. Halle has quite the personality. She talks non stop, likes things her way, loves going to pre-school, will give you a million kisses (only if you tell her not to), she love Dora and baby dolls, and can do a puzzle faster than any 4 year old I know. We are happy Heavenly Father sent this cute ball of fire our way. Life would be very dull at our house without her.

The kids each got an animal, a hat (made by grandma), and a gift card. I made a Christmas quilt for Mom and we found some cool books about Sanpete County and Utah for Dad. He has had fun reading them and telling us the funny stories about the pioneer settlers of Sanpete.

Nana and Papa have started all kinds of Christmas Eve traditions since we left. The Spanish Fork and Salem Cemeteries (where both Nana and Papa's parents are buried) have a tradition where loved ones put luminaries on the graves. We were also given a hot air balloon luminary the we lit and let fly. It was way cool. Then they drive around the Salem Pond that is has floating lit up Christmas trees all over. I was really pretty. I only with there was a little bit of snow to make it even more pretty. Due to the endless line of car waiting to go through he Spanish Fork Light Parade, we pass on that and headed home for the Christmas Eve BBQ.

Christmas Morning! Santa found us. The kids were happy.

After all was said and done, one big present remained unopened. Aaron had Isaac find out who it was for. To his great surprise it was for him. He ripped it opened as fast as he could.When he only found packing peanuts, he jumped in and started swimming. It was pretty funny.

And what to his wondering eyes should appear? An iPod touch he'd asked for all year. (okay more like 3 years) He was one HAPPY kiddo!

Later in the day we met up with Mom and Dad and the Hansen's for lunch and more celebrating. Food, Food, and more food was the name of the game this year. I think my pants are a little tighter now.

The day after Christmas. More Celebrating! We couldn't exchange Christmas gifts with the Gardners until Monday morning. We waited for Sam to get back from his Dad's. The kids couldn't get enough cousin time.

The flag football set that Hayden got was a huge success. The boys and dads played all afternoon.

Christmas is always a magical time of year. It was even more magic for us because we got to spend it with our family. Every time we visit, we get a little more homesick and hope we can return for good some day.