Winter Can be Wonderful!

Oh to be a child again and to actually enjoy Winter! We have had a lot of "commuter specials" this Winter, and I find myself already looking forward to Spring, until I see this photo of my niece Taylor and her twin brothers Jonathan and Warner having so much fun in the snow sledding. I remember enjoying Winter like this--sledding, ice skating, building snowmen. Just one more reminder of why being a kid is so much fun, less worry and hassle associated with winter driving, heating bills, frozen pipes, etc... Look at the joy on their rosy red faces! I love it.

Crazy Cousins

Get a load of this motley crew! Acting out the nativity is a Christmas Eve tradition, and it's always an adventure. I was glad to be in Connecticut to see it this year. These munchkins are so much fun and they did a great job!

The Hoopes

Here's an updated photo of my sister Heather and her family. From left to right, Zachary, Jonathan (it could be Warner, but I honestly can't tell), Heather, Taylor, Jonathan Sr., Warner, and Avery.

The Stauffers

Here's an updated photo of my sister Michelle and her family. From left to right we have Mckinley, Cassidy, Michelle, Wyatt, Garrett, Colin, and Addison.

The Fountains

Here are some updated photos of my younger sister Lindsey and her family. Lindsey is with her two daughters Madison and Lauren. James, my brother-in-law, is with their two sons, Ethan and Tristen.

Going....Going...Almost Gone

2008 has been a wild and crazy year. With the long, drawn out election and the failing economy, who isn't ready for 2009? For Christmas, I spent a wonderful 5 days in Connecticut with my sisters Heather and Michelle and their families. It was complete craziness with 10 kids between the two of them, but it was fun to be with family, and especially kids for Christmas. While I was out there, I went into NYC to visit my friend Karen, her husband Bill, and their new baby Samuel. He is a doll and it was great to catch up with them even if only for a couple of hours.

I am not sad to see 2008 go, but I can't deny that it was a good year for me. I changed houses and jobs, and I feel very blessed. It was not without its stresses and frustrations, but those were learning experiences and I look forward to a great 2009!

It's the most wonderful time of the year! I truly do believe that. I love this time of year. People seem to be a little nicer and more thoughtful. This photo was taken three years ago when Lindsey was still living in Utah. The coloring is not great, but the lights at Temple Square were beautiful, as usual.