A Happy Christmas Indeed

Christmas was wonderful this year, absolutely wonderful. I was incredibly surprised when my work allowed me three days off for the holidays which we got to spend with my family. We spent a few of those days skiing at Whistler in Beautiful British Columbia. It dumped snow on us the whole time we were there, it was absolutely freezing at the top of the mountain, and my legs were incredibly sore by my first run down the hill, and yet, and I felt so happy. Pure joy. We skied all day, then spent time at night playing board games, sitting in the hot tub, watching Christmas movies, laughing, and eating yummy food.

The rest of the trip was spent at my home, on Whidbey Island. My parents house was lovely as usual. The tree this year was so retro, with the huge lights and all wrapped tinsel. I LOVED it. We played our classic Christmas Eve Bingo game, opened our new ornaments, and had a wonderful devotional together as we read about the birth of our Savior. This was my little brother, Jordan's, last Christmas home before his mission, and I will forever be touched by the spirit that I felt as we each shared our testimonies of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am certain that Jordan will be a wonderful missionary. Before we went to bed, we got to get on skype and watch Annika open some of her gifts on Christmas morning via Skype. (See, there are some benefits to being 8 hours ahead). It made us feel more like they were with us to see them all, (mostly Annika) be so excited to show us what they had recieved. I had a difficult time sleeping as usual, and Chrismtas morning was wonderful as usual. It just felt so good to be home and with my family.

For the first time in months, I finally felt relaxed. Sunday morning came much too quickly and it was very difficult to say goodbye. Goodbye to my little brother for 2 years while he left on a mission. Goodbye to Mom Dad and Nathan. And Goodbye to Isaac as he boarded a plane for Utah, while I flew home to Illinois. As always, it was hard to leave after another wonderful vacation, but I am thankful that I was able to be with my family. It was just what I needed.