Every year since 2005 I've been able to go home for Christmas. For those of you who don't already know, home is now St. George. For everyone but me, anyway. Well-Christmas with my family has changed so much over the years. We've gone from our small little family spending the day together to in-laws and grandkids, sharing the day with everyone. As different as it is, I wouldn't change it for anything. I love my sisters in law and my nieces and nephews so much.
This year is especially neat because Jon and Michelle are expecting their first baby-something I thought wouldn't happen, that's for sure. :) Jon really met his match in Michelle; she puts him in his place and I love to watch them together. He loves her so much and will be such a good dad. He's got a great empathy belly going, as you can see here:
Although Darla and Casey aren't pregnant, Casey needed to throw his hat in the ring:
I think he's pretty impressive...This Christmas I also spent with a lot of time with my mom. I love her so much, and I am so lucky to have her as my mom. Even though I am grown, she still continues to teach me. For Christmas she gave me the best gift. She made a cook book for each of us with our favorite recipes when we were growing up. Then we made cookies together. I think they turned out great-although my mom's side of the family didn't appreciate them like they should have. My co-workers LOVED them! I think they're cute:
I normally stay the entire weekend, but I cut my trip short for the Vander Linden family Christmas party. Scott and I have been dating a little over a year, and so I decided it was time to introduce him to the family. (actually, my wonderful family was giving me grief and questioning whether or not he was real, so I HAD to call their bluff.)
I spent the weeks leading up to the party telling him about my family-who is married to who, who their kids are, and how they're related to my mom. I also prepped him for the noise. You know how loud I am, and I come by it honestly. Scott comes from a very small family-one sister, and his parents families don't live near by. His mother is from Kentucky, and his dad is a farm boy from Tremonton.
My family on the other hand is like the movie "My Big Fat Greek Wedding". My mom has seven siblings, they're all married, and they all have kids. I have TWENTY FIVE first cousins, and most of them are married with kids of their own. Needless to say my family is HUGE and LOUD. Scott was fantastic. He remembered most everyone, and everyone seemed to really like him. It's always nice when your family likes the person you're dating.
All in all my Holidays were fantastic, but I'm SO ready for spring!!
