Salt Lake City for Christmas!

Christmas started off perfect this year.  My mother-in-law found a place downtown that was in need of some service, and it began with a Christmas tree.  At the beginning of December, she purchased a fake tree and took it for them to enjoy throughout the month.  A couple of days before Christmas, she purchased a dozen games and we went down to The Columbus House to spend time with some of the sweetest people ever.  We had fruit and treats that they got to enjoy as well. 

While we were there, one particular guy caught my eye as soon as he wheeled into the room.  I hadn't seen him for years, but it was my second cousin! He was shy to look at me, but when I mentioned who I was I know he understood.  He agreed to take a picture with me, and we sent it to his family. So sweet!

We are so grateful for the big heart that my mother-in-law has.  Always looking for ways to give. This was a really fun way to start off the holiday and we look forward for many more opportunities like this.

Christmas Eve worked out perfectly this year juggling the two families.  We started off with a late lunch at The Smith's house up in Farmington and celebrated with all the siblings, and my Mom and Ron. 

All of our nieces and nephews are growing up so fast...it is crazy! Love them so much.

Kade had Calaigh in the drawing this year and gave her some baby DVDs. She is due on Leap Day!

All of the sibling went in together on a present for my Mom and Ron. We knew that she loved the Le Creuset pots...and so we decided to get her a green one.  Pure excitement was her reaction.

I had Ben in the drawing and gave him a UofU shirt since he is a die-hard fan.  I am a Y fan, so I wrapped it with blue ribbon and wrote that it was from Cosmo.

My Mom and Ron are angels. This year they got all the girls sewing machines. We were so excited!!

Next stop...Kade's house.  We had a delicious meal with crab legs!

On Christmas morning we opened presents with the Wadsworths, went to church at the old ward and took up a whole bench with both of our families combined, went to my Dad's house for brunch, and then went to Grandpa and Grandma Wadsworth's house for lunch with the whole extended family. It was a busy day, but the timing of events could not have worked out better! We also got to talk to Elder Clark out on the mission. He is such a stud.

Kade painted this gorgeous picture and gave it to my Dad and Elizabeth for Christmas. He is very talented!

We made a frame for Kade's parents with the Proclamation of The Family in the middle, and pictures of the fam around the outside. We never took a picture of the finished project, but we were really excited to give it to them!

Kade and I saved our presents for each other until that night so we could open them with just us two. We both ended up getting each other some clothes. Perfect!

The rest of the break flew by as we tried to squeeze in as much as we could.  Here are pictures from some of the events that happened.

We received a Christmas card from Nick out on the mission, and spent some good time with Preston.

Handsome hubby in his new coat :)

We went downtown to my Dad's office and had a yummy sushi lunch with him.  The boys got into a deep gospel doctrine conversation and our lunch went for over two hours! We didn't want to leave.  He is such an amazing example to us and is always giving us the desire to be better.

When we went back to the office to say bye, we talked to Derrick and Ben for a little bit.  While we were standing there, Ben decided to itch his back with his pen.  Not a smart move! :) We were all laughing so hard as he pulled his pen out in front of him, noticed that it was open, and instantly realized what happened.

We got to meet the Towners for some Rio one afternoon.  Loved seeing their little Owen boy.

I spent some time with Elizabeth one afternoon and we decided to get crafty.  She was making money holders that evening for a YW's project, so we decided to practice and make some examples. They turned out way cute.  She is so good with crafty ideas.  She handmade every Christmas gift this year for everyone in the family.  The nieces got handmade purses, and the nephews got homemade fort kits!

The Saturday before we left, we had two big events to attend.  Kade got to be in the sealing room for one of his close friends as he was sealed to his new bride.  I went to my niece Hannah's baptism, and then drove to Provo in time for the luncheon.  It was a cold and eventful day!

Dan and Preethi were in town from DC--we missed their little Nat!!

We are so grateful that we got to go home and spend time with family.  We are also very thankful for the family and friends that made time to see us.  We were blessed abundantly in many different ways. It was a great rejuvenator for Kade before he starts his FINAL semester of college.  

Back to Philly we go!