Biggest little Visit in the World!

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the nickname for Reno, this is a little play on words. (The Biggest Little City in the World.) Elena and I flew out on the 6th and came back home on the 12th. Short stay, but had lots of fun!

We had planned to all go together (both Jim, I and the kids) but finances were such that...well, need I go on? The reason for our visit was mainly to be present as my brother's temple work was completed. Jason (3rd out of the 4 of us siblings) passed away last January at the age of 23 and had not as yet made temple covenants.

There was no way I was going to not be there, even though as a female I could not act as proxy for him. My father did his Initiatory work in preparation for him to receive his Endowments, which my brother Dan was able to do for him. I have never been in a more full session! It was literally bursting at the seams, with rows of chairs being added as more people came in to join us. It was a very exciting, deep and meaningful morning in the temple. I think he was there too, I felt it, and his acceptance. I think he was ready. It was a very special experience and I felt so blessed to be there.

The rest of the time of our visit we crammed full of as much as possible, although we lost a day or two by being sick. (Of all times and places to get sick- Vacation!) It seems whenever we travel a great distance somebody catches something. I went to the theater with family 4 different times- seeing Twilight: New Moon, Avatar, The Young Victoria, and Leap Year. Some were better than others, but it was being out with family that was the funnest part.

We got to see cousin Jackson...

And cousin Adyn too! My, has he gotten big!!

Elena and Jackson had fun rekindling their friendship, since a year previous. It would be fun in an ideal world to live closer to all our family. Just not probable right now...And cuddling with Grandma is neverending fun!

We rode the Ferris Wheel at Scheel's, which Elena still talks about. We also got to go to our cousins, the Worlton's, on the other side of town for a dinner get together and play on their Wii. Fun times, fun times.

The trip went way too fast and I am plotting when I can sneak away again.

Santa Came to Town!

But before he came, it snowed. And we tried to sled, in vain.

They truly look happy, no? The snow was way too wet. Not good snowman making, snowshoeing, or sledding weather. The sled, once full of kids, sank all the way down, filled up with snow, then soaked all the way through your clothes. But, hey- we had a white Christmas! (Just like the ones I used to know!)

Then it was time to get ready for Santa to come.

First, we have to get the tree up. Our handy-dandy fake one!

Spooky wanted to help...much to the amusement of the kids!

Finally we got the ornaments all in place!

But, as you can imagine they didn't stay on long. The cat kept climbing the tree, which caused ornaments to fall, and children to laugh...

Then we had to go through the festival of lights display, as is tradition. They do it every year by our house. Here's just a glimpse. I love that you can tune to their special holiday channel to get the full effect!

I guess my camera doesn't do so well at night, but you get the idea!

Next we had to make sure all was under the tree!

And that Santa had some goodies. (Sleepy Aaron did his best to resist.)

Here's what we found in the morning!

The kids were pros at unwrapping. Next year we'll try to slow them down a bit so it lasts a little longer.

We were blessed by all the love from others, symbolized in gifts!

Later that morning we went over to Grandma & Pop Feagin's for a little Christmas continuation. Woo Hoo!

Soon after Christmas it was time (according to Jim) to un-decorate. The tree was the last thing to go down, but it didn't stay empty long! Elena gathered anything that would stay on the tree.

Hilarious!

So, we celebrated the holidays at home this year. Part of me is grateful we didn't have to travel with the crowds, but I really missed my extended family. Here is a picture of all of us last year.

I will be seeing the family soon anyhow! I fly out this week to Reno for a 7 day stay. I am definitely looking forward to this get-away, despite the parallel weather. (It's just as cold there as it is here, I'm afraid.)

May 2010 bring everyone hope renewed- hope of a new start, hope in Christ who has made all things possible.