Saturday, December 26, 2015

Christmas Traditions {5 Days of Christmas}

Since it was our first Christmas together, Jose and I had 5 days of Christmas! 

On our first day of Christmas, we went to Payson for dinner with the Belnap family. We watched "A Wish for Wings that Work" and let Sadie and Landon open the presents we got them. 

On our second of Christmas, we had a lovely Christmas dinner together, followed by opening our Christmas pajamas and watching The Santa Clause. 

On our third day of Christmas, we woke up and opened our presents to each other and our stockings from Santa. Even Sky had one. We had a great time opening up our gifts and just being together. We spent that day playing our new games and then went to see Star Wars for the second time. Overall it was a very fun day for us, but Christmas was not over yet! 





On our fourth day of Christmas, we went over to Jose's parents for the evening. We ate dinner and then I pulled out the sugar cookies to have the girls decorate. We decorated the cookies together and had such a good time doing it! I hope to make it a tradition for years to come! After decorating cookies, we waited until midnight to exchange gifts. Then Jose and I drove home in the first bit of what would be a lot of snow. 




On our last day of Christmas, we woke up early and drove through terrifying snow and ice-covered roads to get to my parents house. One we arrived we ate, and then opened our presents. My family had set up a secret santa gift exchange so we got to exchange our gifts then and watch Nephew S open all his presents. Since he is 1 1/2 he is actually pretty entertaining to watch. Then we opened a present from Garrett and Caisa to everyone... pink and blue balloons, announcing a baby! It was a great surprise (that wasn't very surprising because Caisa seemed tired and nauseous at Thanksgiving...) Then came our favorite part of the day, Skyping Elder Ben! He was happy to see us and meet Emalee. We talked about everything coming up this year and about how crazy the last year was for us. He also bore his testimony in Mandarin for us to hear and we recorded it too. 



It was such a wonderful first Christmas for us! I look forward to many more together! 

Thursday, December 17, 2015

{Rehab} starts for Sky

Our sweet Sky finally started rehab this week! First, we went and met Tena and Annette at Alta Dog Rehab. They showed us exercises and stretches that we could do to help our girl get better faster. Then they helped her walk in the underwater treadmill to help build strength in her leg. She did so good!



Then a few days later we took Sky swimming to help her with strength and range of motion. She did amazing! Almost didn't need any help getting in or out of the water. After only 12 minutes though Sky was so tired! Annette was very proud of her and so was I! Sky is getting better!






Sunday, December 6, 2015

Christmas Traditions {Festival of Trees}

One of my favorite thing we did this year was go to the Festival of Trees. We went on the last night when our nieces were performing on the main stage. So after watching them perform, Jose and I enjoyed the festival together. We had scones, and enjoyed walking among the beautiful trees. Our favorite was the Legend of Zelda tree, but we also enjoyed the Star Wars and the Harry Potter trees.




Saturday, December 5, 2015

Christmas Traditions {Lights at Temple Square}

On Thursday, December 3, Jose and I went to see the lights on Temple Square with some of my family. It's something I had always dreamed of doing with the man who would be my husband. This year, I actually have a husband to go with! So we bundled up and walked around Temple Square. We saw the statue of Christ and listened to the nativity story on the lawn. As I looked at Mary and Joseph, I admired how supportive and understanding Joseph was to Mary. And then it hit me. My Jose is supportive and understanding too. My Jose is caring and kind. As I stood watching the nativity, I felt so much gratitude and love for my husband. I'm so grateful we had the opportunity to visit the temple grounds and reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ.


Also, it's so much better with a husband to keep you warm.