Wrapping up 2016

I flipped through some pictures on my phone and thought about what has happened in the last 3 months! LIFE has happened!

Here is a quick recap:

Thanksgiving 2016 - We met up with the Archibald gang in Branson, MO. We drove through the Ozarks...and probably stayed in the Ozarks, too..., enjoyed s'mores around a fire, paddle boated across a small lake, did a zip line, saw butterflies in their unnatural habitat, experienced Moses' life - Sight and Sound, ate turkey and other wonderful side dishes, made chocolate chip cookie covered oreos, took some family photos, played mini golf, swam in the hot tub, saw the Duttons LIVE, and many other wonderful things! Alyssa and Fife had a good time together unless they were fighting, in which case they were not having a good time. But all in all it was a good bonding experience!

 Whew!

Then Taft turned 1.

Then we went to Utah for a week and a half of Christmas fun with the Nelsens! We heard Porter sing with his choir, visited Temple Square, went on the Polar Express, had an ugly sweater making party, saw VoiceMale while wearing said ugly sweaters, had tea parties with dolls, played hospital with dolls - they had contracted poison blindness, enjoyed a truly white Christmas, and surrounded ourselves with wonderful company!

Taft was a little worn out after listening to Porter sing all day!

So were Alyssa and Claire!

One thing about our trip to Utah I hope to never forget was our ride on the Polar Express. We enjoyed the hot chocolate, cookies and corny elf jokes! It was fun to hear a surprisingly young Mrs. Claus play Christmas carols on her violin. The best part was when Santa walked onto the train. Alyssa's mouth dropped open! She could not believe her eyes! The real Santa was standing before us in full Christmas splendor! He greeted each child personally and gave everyone a bell that made the most beautiful sound! It was magical!

I am grateful for the time we were able to spend with the Archibalds and the Nelsens in the 2016 holiday season! We strengthened our relationships and made new and lasting memories!