Family Time in December 2009

Family time in December included:



Celebrating Great-Grandma Darlene's 82nd Birthday



The kiddos wanting to sleep with a jet-lagged Grandma Julie



Many a competitive game of "Ticket to Ride"



Visiting the lights at the LA Temple

My wonderful parents

It was so nice to have three of my four grown-up brothers here for Christmas. All the years of being the oldest and caring for them have paid off. This time they were taking care of me!

Joseph is a cuddler. He would often come up to Opa Hanno and sit down and cuddle with him. Here he is cuddling with Uncle Fred.

Joseph is my self-proclaimed "Cooker."
I can hardly do anything in the kitchen without him running to help me.


One of my favorite Christmas memories from 2009 includes Rebecca picking one of her dolls (a soft Prince Philip doll) and of her own accord deciding to give it to Joseph. She came down to the wrapping room and wrapped it, telling me, "I want to give him something that is mine. I feel good in my heart."
Joseph also gave Rebecca something and wanted to tell her what was inside. When it was time to open presents he went looking for the gift for her. They are such good friends. Seeing them interact is one of the happiest parts of my life.
Oh, and I also forgot to mention that my mom spent a lot of time sewing some clothes for Rebecca's new doll. I was supposed to learn how to sew, but we ran out of time and it was just faster for her to do it herself. We had a great December.