Christmas 2009: Part 1

Wow, where do I even begin?

Usually when you go on a long trip it is fun to go, but even more fun to come home. Well, not this time.

Sure, it was a long vacation but I must admit I was SO sad to leave. I wasn't ready to come back to my normal life. I felt genuinely happy being at home with my family, and it was hard to leave.

I think I was so happy because I didn’t have to be around anyone or anything that reminded me of losing my twin boys. It’s hard to believe that it has been six months since my feet were knocked out from underneath me, and I can’t really describe all the different emotions I’ve felt during that time. Some people have wondered why I’m not over it yet, others don’t even talk about it anymore. And then there are some who still stop by to cry with me. The feelings from that July afternoon are still so real for me. That pain is so real. But for three wonderful weeks back home I was happy. Genuinely happy. And it felt good.

Here’s Part 1 of the festivities:

Lilly and I flew into Salt Lake City on a Friday morning and spent the night at Gus's parent’s house. Susan was a wonderful host (as always) and we were happy to be able to see Grandpa and Grandma Calder who were also there visiting. The next day we went over to my sister’s house and stayed the night, and then on Sunday we rode with my brother and his family up to Idaho.

One of the first fun things we did in Idaho was go to "Bethlehem" which was actually in my dad's shop. He transformed the shop into a Bethlehem-esque scene for the youth and primary in the Ward to experience. It was SO fun! There was dancing, food, a nativity, goat petting, various kid stations with fun games, and "The Light of Christ" playing on a big screen. Everyone was dressed up including my dad, who came as Caesar himself. It was a good time.

My Grandma and Dad

My Dad, Lilly, and my Mom dancing

Lilly had a great time playing with my youngest cousin Harley (who is 2 years older Lilly) and my brother Daniel's two girls Brinley and Ashlan.

She also had a great time hanging out with my younger brothers. Whenever we would come in the door she would yell, "Boy's I'm home!" She also loved greeting them with a big hug at the door after they got home from school.

At the end of our first week in Idaho we packed our bags and drove back to Utah with my mom and grandma to watch my niece, Savanna, perform in the Utah Valley Nutcracker. Savanna did wonderful and it was fun to go and support her. She is just growing up so fast! It seems like just yesterday that she was calling me "Momma Jenny".

While in Utah, my grandma and mom stayed in a hotel with a swimming pool so the kids could all go swimming. Lilly loved swimming with Grandma, Megan, and the kids.

 
After all the festivities in Utah we drove back to Idaho. My sister Megan and her family drove up to Idaho a few days later and the real party began!
 
Lilly loved playing with her cousins but especially Megan's dog Rocco. She loved tucking him under her arm and carrying him around the house. We asked Lilly who her favorite cousin was and after a few minutes to think about it she said, "Rocco!" I guess we can count him as a cousin.
 

 
A couple of days before Christmas the kids decorated gingerbread houses. Lilly pretty much just ate the candy and squeezed frosting all over everything while I did all the work. We bought the premade kits from Costco this year and I must say they were just horrible. We had roofs and walls caving in all over the place (Lilly's house stayed up the longest thanks to my mad skills).
 

 
That night we had a family party with my dad's side of the family. We had a good time with family and yummy food but the best part came when Gus showed up. He flew in that morning and then hopped in his mom's car and drove to Idaho to be with us! Lilly was SO excited to see her daddy. She snuggled right up to him and wouldn't let go.