BAPTISMS, BLESSING, BABY GRACE, FOOTBALL AND CHRISTMAS!WHEW, I'M EXHAUSTED!!!

O.K., so every three or four months for an update is a bit much, but with my schedulte, it seems it takes that long to get a chance to update this blog. I guess what is important is that it actually gets done. So here we go.

DENVER- BAPTISM'S AND BLESSING

The end of October I was able to fly to Denver to spend about ten days with Mar and Ad and kids. While there, Don, Greg and MarJane and the TJ Brinks came and we had a wonderful family weekend baptizing Annie and Jackson and blessing little Reecey. We feel so blessed to have these wonderful grandchildren and we are grateful that they are being raised correctly. I'm including some pics that show this special event.

Here's our beautiful little Annie-girl in her pretty white dress.

And this is our handsome Jackson in a new suit.

Last, but certainly not least is Reecey-Roo. Such a pretty baby girl!!!!

BABY GRACE ARRIVES!

On December 1st, Grace Rylynn arrived and she was such a welcome addition to Ryan and Nicole's family. The children adore her and she is not only beautiful, but such a GOOD baby. She has chubby cheeks and is so very snuggly. The kids love to hold her and they are all so willing to help Nicole. On December 3rd, I flew down to SoCal to spend the entire month. Such a sacrifice!!

Here's our little chubby cheeks!. She's actually so tiny, but just hasthe most kissable cheeks. She is just a few days old in this picture.

And this was taken the day before I left on January 2nd. The cheeks are still chubby, but she looks a bit older.

FRESNO

Don and I were going to spend Christmas with Heather and Steve in Fresno, but Steve's 99 year old grandpa took a turn for the worse after some surgery, so they felt they should go to Idaho to see him just in case he didn't recuperate. (He's doing great now) So, I drove up to Fresno to spend a few days before the Holidays to deliver their gifts and see the kids. On Sunday I brought Josh home after church so Heather and Steve and the kids could go to tithing settlement. Josh was so tired that when I put him in his high chair to eat, this is what happened. He is so adorable and we have become good friends (finally).

GOING!!!

GOING!!!

GONE!!!

BYU WINS ANOTHER CLOSE ONE-YEAH!!!

On Saturday December 22nd, my husband finally arrived (after delayed and nearly cancelled flights), and off Ryan, Justin, Ben, Don and I went to Las Vegas for the Las Vegas Bowl. Adam flew in from Denver with Spencer, Annie and Jackson. My brother Jim and his wife Sherri, with friends Scott and Carla met us there as well. We all arrived a bit late, but at the same time. It was well worth the hassle and freezing cold weather to see the nail-biting ending. Don and I were so impressed with the way the children behave and interact with each other. They love to be together and they LOVE BYU sports. I guess we've done something right. We had a ball!!

Jackson, Justin and Spencer all happy to be together.

Jackson and Granddad- a bonding moment!

Annie with her Dad snuggling to get warm. This little girl really knows her football- What a fan!!

Ryan and Ben with big smiles. We start them young in the Miller family. Ben's only four, but loved the whole experience and cheered loud and long. The lady in front of him thought he was so cute. She even gave him a hand warmer to help with the cold even though he never complained.

CHRISTMAS EVE AND DAY

We had Ryan, Nicole, kids, Greg and MarJane over for Christmas Eve and had a yummy dinner (if I do say so myself). We opened the traditional Christmas PJ's and then played some games. Christmas morning we got up early to be at Ryan's for the Santa gifts and gift opening. We drug it out as long as possible, ate scotch stew and the swedish round pancakes (can't spell the name) that is traditional for the Christoffersons. Both were just so good.

Cute kids in their Christmas jammies waiting for Santa!

All tucked onto Ryan and Nicole's bed waiting to go down to see if Santa had come. No one was disappointed.

The guys showing off their BYU fleece blankets made by Marilee. The perfect gift for these three BYU avid fans.

As instructed, Don wearing his "Christmas Story" shirt given to him by Julie, to open gifts on Christmas morning.

AFTER CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES

Since Amber and Marin both received gift certificates to the American Girl store, we trecked off for a fun day with all the "girls". They were abit overwhelmed by the choices, but ended up with some fun things for their dolls. We even had lunch in our own private room. A fun time!!

Amber and Marin with their dolls.

Lunch was fun as well, with special high chairs for the dolls.

CALIFORNIA HOME!

Since so many have asked for pictures of our California home, I took some with the Christmas decoarations still up. Maybe you can get a feel for why we like it their so much.

Entry- the front door is behind me

Living Room- looking back towards the front door

Living Room- view from the entry

Dining Room and Staircase- Living room is to the right

Family Room- the kitchen is behind me

As you can see it is a very nice little place and we love it. Well that's the end of this epic entry. I really should do this more often, but it probably won't happen. Thanks for bearing with me.