Christmas Part 1

I brought my camera this year to the Thomson Family Christmas party, mostly to get some pictures of my grandparents, who are in their upper 80's.  "Grandpa T" was his usual silly self.  He didn't want to get his picture taken, but he came around to the idea. 

I got a few if the kids too, eating ice cream with cousins.

And playing downstairs in their cool playhouse.

I even got Grandma T to get a picture with me.  

The 23rd, we met my mom and J at Temple Square to see the lights.  My favorite though, will always be seeing the Christus.  You can't deny the spirit that is on Temple Square when you walk up that ramp,

Or look at the beautiful temple,

Or watch the nativity.

It is just a perfect way to start off the holiday.

Visits

Last month, I took a day off of work during the week and went up to meet with 2 of my favorite women.  The 3 of us brought all our children and some lunch and met at our childhood park, the great West Bountiful Park.  The few years that I was lucky enough to live in West Bountiful, these 2 were my best friends and playmates.  The three of us have not sat down and caught up since we were all married, and we thought it was time to do so.  Dawn and Becki are pregnant, and both looked so beautiful.  It was so fun to see their cute bellies.  The plan is that we will do this again next year, when Dawn comes up from Arizona, and I sure hope so.  It made me happy to see them, and was well worth the trip up. 

That same day, I got another fun visit.  My Dad's parents just recently moved up from St. George, and I had yet to see their new apartment.  On the way home that night, my Dad and J drove me and the kids over for a visit.  I have to say that a part of me was sad to see them in this apartment, knowing that truly I will never be able to visit them again down in St. George like I have since I was little.  But, time marches on, and it is a blessing to have them closer to us, and see them more often.  And yes, Emmi is pouting probably because she is not sitting on Grandpa's lap like the boys.

Grandma giving the kids a cookie for the ride home. 

I am so glad I got to take the kids to meet them.  I just hope we will be able to go often enough that they will get to know them better.