Lodi

We were all so excited to see Ben and Katie's family. None of us had seen them since Olivia was diagnosed with a brain tumor. It has been a long few months filled with anxiety and worry for that sweet girl. One of the rules was that we could not go to Ben's if we were sick. We really tried to follow that rule. Emerson had been sick and so Amanda kept him and Audrey at the rental house and missed out on Christmas dinner with everyone else. Luckily the rental we got was super close to Ben and Katie's house, only two blocks away. That was awesome. It was so easy to go back and forth. Ben and Katie made an amazing Christmas dinner. We visited and all enjoyed watching the cousins play. We also sang a bunch of Christmas songs which was really fun!

Ben, Katie, Aaron, Jacklyn and I stayed up visiting until after midnight. I was sooooo exhausted but it was so good to be with family!

Thursday we had the entire day to just hang out. Some people went to Sushi, others ran errands, I played with the kids. The weather in Lodi was perfect and it was a great day to be outside. Emerson was feeling better and so he joined in on the cousin fun. Ben's kids were so good to share all their Christmas toys with their cousins. The kids played hard all day long.

The littlest three did sidewalk chalk

 while the older three played basketball

 All the kids ended up with suckers at the same time:)

 It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed the outdoors.

We also walked over to the house we were renting because Ben and Katie's kids wanted to see it:)

It was a really nice day spent with family. We ended the evening with Katie making her delicious homemade pizza.

Friday we had breakfast at Ben's and played outside. I snapped a couple group shots of all the grand kids.

We only spent the morning in Lodi because we were headed to Willits for the Brown family reunion. Oliva and Katie were not coming because Olivia should not be around that many people.Dan and Ben decided they would drive over on Saturday. Mom and I took Braxton and Katelyn with us so they could have more cousin time. It was hard to say goodbye to Olivia. She headed off to Chemo as we left. I hate that this is her reality. We all sure love that girl!

The drive went great! We got to Willits just in time for pizza with the Browns. Luckily Janice had reserved a party room. We filled the room up and had a very enjoyable evening visiting while the kids ran around like maniacs!

Susanville

Aaron and Jacklyn live in Susanville. They were nice enough to allow us to come crash at their house for two days. Originally we didn't know if Aaron would have any time off at Christmas and so this was going to maybe be our only chance to see him. In the end he got some time off but it was nice to see their place and visit.

Monday night Jacklyn prepared dinner which we gobbled up when we arrived. Then me, my mom and Jacklyn went to the grocery store to get all the food for the next couple of days. Monday night we just visited and hung out. We were all pretty tired. My om, Nancy, and Sama and Amanda's family stayed in a rented house. Me, Dan and Caleb stayed at Aaron and Jacklyn's. That was nice because we all had a place to sleep.

Tuesday was Christmas Eve. We spent the day watching football and visiting. Jacklyn and I got out for a really nice walk with our dogs. I took the dogs out again in the evening. We also spent a lot of time preparing Christmas Eve dinner. BYU had their bowl game that night so unfortunately we had to watch that before we could do Christmas Eve stuff. They lost a game they should have won and it took way too long. Finally the game was over, Andrew was in tears because they lost, but we could finally start opening presents.

It was a little disappointing that we didn't do the Christmas story or sing carols. I did not like that. After presents we all went to bed.

My mom had my name this year and she got me some new dishes. I love then and am so excited to use them.

Christmas day I woke up and took the dogs out.

 We went up to the Heli pad and then walked up the Paul Bunion trail and ran down another trail.

It was a great morning to be out.

We got back in time to have breakfast and then head to Lodi for Christmas Day.

California for the HOLIDAYS!

Saturday December 21st we picked up the rental car and headed to Palermo.

 Well first I snuck in a jog with my dog right as the sun was rising for the day.

 It felt so good to finally be on Christmas break. Caleb, Nancy, Moki and I drove together.

We had a fast road trip thanks to Caleb's driving. He drove the entire way which was awesome.

We got to my mom's right after Sam and Amanda's car, which had their family and Dan. We all squeezed into my moms tiny house for two nights.

Katie Call was in town and so I went up to see her for a few minutes on Saturday night. It was fun as always. I love seeing that girl.

Sunday there was a one hour Sacrament meeting. The Christmas program was very nice. There were a number of beautiful musical numbers which I really enjoyed.

I really wanted a picture of Audrey in the dress I bought her. She wasn't really in the mood though.

I also sent Christmas dresses to Ben and Katie's girls. They looked adorable in the picture I saw.

Sunday my mom made sweet and sour chicken, a family favorite. It was AMAZING! After dinner I went to Chico to visit Angelee. We had a nice visit and I stayed way too long.

Monday morning Moki and I went on a jog. The weather was gorgeous. I played with the kids outside for a little while before we all loaded up in the cars and headed to Susanville.

December

I love having my house set-up for Christmas. I love sitting by the lights on the tree every night. I just love the warmth of my home. This year I added a new tree to the Christmas decor. I put a small flocked tree in my TV room. I love it. Then I can watch Christmas shows with the tree lights on. Seems lame but it feels magical.

 I also added an electric train this year. The kids loved it so we will call it a WIN!

 My flocked tree upstairs. I put on big outdoor lights and I love it!

I had just Sam and Amnanda's family over for dinner one Sunday. It was really nice. We ate played games and decorated gingerbread cookies. So much fun. These kids . . . . I adore them!

We had dinner at Dan's one Sunday as well. He made Wassail, which was amazing. We hung out and song lots of Christmas songs. That was actually so fun. I loved that we did it. It got everyone off their phones for awhile. Amanda is a great pianist and so she could play anything we wanted. So fun!

A Sunday walk with my cute puppy.

A new Christmas dress.

 I am a member of the teachers union at work. Every year they offer a $1 movie but I never go. This year on a whim I invited Sams family. It was on a Saturday that worked for them and so we went and saw Frozen 2. We all had a great time. Only Andrew and Audrey would pose for the picture.

Other highlights of the month were . . .

1. My team played some great basketball. We beat two really good teams and went to Christmas break on a big winners high.
2. I attended a Relief Society activity. I am trying to be better about participating in those kinds of things. It was a great activity.
3. I delivered Uno Flip to fmailies at school and in my neighborhood. That was my Christmas gift this year.
4. I started playing on an adult basketball league. That is always a fun way to use up everegy. I am starting to feel my age though.
5. I did lots of Christmas shopping. I helped out my mom. That meant lots of trips to the store. I loved it though!
6. I had the opportunity to participate in a secret santa activity that the school counselors put on. This meant buying a couple of gifts to donate. Always a fun thing to do in December.
7. I sent out a ton of Christmas cards.
8. I hung out with Jana
9. I donated blood at our stake blood drive.

December is always so busy. This year I feel like I didn't slow down and ponder the true meaning of Christmas enough. That is a regret I have. It is so easy to get caught up in the purchasing of gifts and all that comes with Christmas. Overall the month leading up to Christmas break was a good one.

Snow, Snow, Snow

Basketball has started. I am excited about my team this year. They are great girls. I am excited to get to work with them. Time flies when basketball starts. I was soooooo tired the first week. I think I am finally starting to adjust. We have a lot of work to do but so far it has been good.

Thanksgiving was awesome. I didn't take any pictures which is seriously the lamest. My mom came to town last Saturday. Sam and Amanda's kids and I picked her up from the airport and slept at  my house. We all went to church the next morning and then met at Loralie's for dinner. It was nice to hang out with family. My mom stayed at Loralie's because I had to work the beginning of the week. Then I went up and stayed two nights Wednesday after basketball. We had great food and company. It was a nice couple of days. All the single Browns were here for Thanksgiving with my mom, Nancy, Loralie, Curt and Katie. I have so much to be grateful for. My health, job, family and friends are at the top of the list. I am so blessed. We also got our fist snow over Thanksgiving and it was gorgeous.

Today Amber and I were able to hike up Rock Canyon to the campground. The weather was perfect, the snow amazing. It was the perfect first winter trip.

 It was snowing like crazy when we started.

By the time we got to the campground the storm had passed and it was all blue skies.

 Moki was in heaven. There was a little incident with her. She ran up behind me and her foot got caught between my heel and my snowshoe. She yelped like her foot got cut off. Poor puppy. Then she ran away. I ended up hiking way back up for her and still no sign of her. She finally caught up to me and Amber. She was covered in snowballs. Her foot was fine it looked like she had a little side adventure chasing the deer. My dog is CRAZY!!!!

 It was a great morning. I took an awesome post hike nap. I spent the rest of the day doing chores and trying to get ready to go back to work. So sad the vacation is over. Real life must go on!