34 days later

I guess it's about time to post about Christmas.(pictures to come, hopefully this weekend) We all had a wonderful Christmas season and a relaxing vacation. We bought our first Christmas tree, spent our first Christmas in our own home, and the girls got their first car! Actually they got a jeep...They love driving their jeep all around the neighborhood, and think it's really cool to drive it to our clubhouse. Christmas morning was different than any other before, since we were alone as a family. We weren't actually alone though, Brian's parents, and sisters were watching us on the webcam, and us them. It was a very interesting way to spend Christmas together, so far away, but yet it seemed like they were right there. Christmas night we drove down to Orlando to spend some time with my family. It was so great to just relax, play, and spend time together. By Todd and Deanna's recommendation we played Ticket to Ride, which we all really enjoyed. I bought several people in my family Ligretto and Zilch for Christmas. I have Todd and D to thank for so many of our family favorite games.

The best thing that has happened in the past 34 days was a very special trip to the temple. December 23rd marked the 1 year mark since Pa died, which meant we could go to the temple for him. The Orlando temple reopened on January 3rd at 8 am. We were there at the opening, and spent the most wonderful 4 hours remembering and honoring Pa by completing temple ordinances for him. The most spiritual moment for me was when we sealed him to his parents and siblings. It felt as though they were all there standing in a circle around us, just waiting to have him join their circle. Really it is so amazing that we have the opportunity to do such an incredible work.

Of course Brian's birthday was a special day, next year is a big one though, 30... We had a little birthday bash for him with some friends and family. Melissa (Brian's sister) and Aaron, and little Savannah came up for the weekend too. We always have such a great time with them. We of course played games, and we showed them around town in hopes of convincing them to move up here. It would be so fabulous to have them near by. Then we'll talk his parents into moving here, then Becca and Charles, then Erin and Carlos (post college, Med School, residency, etc.), then my mom will by a house in the mountains, where all the family can visit, and we'll be all set! (Dad, I already know you'll never leave Florida, so just make your visits regular) Ok, so I'm dreaming, but it sure is a great dream!

Chloe and Cassidy continue to love school, ballet, and playing with their friends. We have started "Chloe and Cassidy's special day" which means they get to choose everything they do and eat(with some guidelines of course). They love these special days. This past Monday Brian had the day off of work, and the girls had school off(I had to work), so they had a special daddy, daughter, daughter day. They thought this was so cool, and played all day long. They were kind enough to take me out to lunch during this special day, and kept talking about the special daddy, daughter, daughter, mommy day! They are so cute!