I love it when Santa brings a Gift of Time, and so do the little ones! :)
Chocolate advent calendars and sticker books...
...and a visit to a Live Nativity! :)
Kierra and I also snuck away one night for a couple of hours to go to the Christkindl market at This is the Place Heritage Park.
Like I said, Kierra doesn't get much time here with me, so we had to snag the 2 hours that we had! It was so fun to be with her. :)
Santa also brought a Gift of Time to decorate Giant Gingerbread cookies together! :)
Wedding preparations were happening in every spare second I had!
Gifts of honor for the bridesmaids and groomsmen...
...and special gifts for Julia's mom who would be coming from Brazil!
We threw a bridal shower for Julia!
"SNOW" IN LOVE!
Then, we finally got to meet Julia's family!
Her mom Larissa was so gracious and sweet. I loved her instantly! Even though we could not communicate with words, we were able to connect through the love of our Savior and through the Spirit!
Beautiful flower girl dresses for Kesslyn and Bianca (Julia's little sister).
We were also blessed to attend the temple with Julia when she got her endowment!
What a beautiful day with Larissa, Josue', Dallin, Julia, her Aunt Ana and Uncle Isaiah, Clint, Kierra, and I.
We shared an amazing meal with Julia's family at Tucanos Brazilian Restaurant on the night before the wedding!
Then the wedding day came!
I was able to do Julia's hair for her and she looked beautiful!
December 9th, 2023
Then, Santa sent us on one more Gift of Time just as a family...to the Snowed Inn! Our favorite tradition of all!
There is truly something magical that happens when we go on this Gift of Time.
The way each of our senses is fully engaged...the horses, the prancing of every hoof, the sound of the jingle bells on the sleigh as they pull us up the mountain...the big and clear night sky that reminds me of the night sky above where baby Jesus was born...the warmth of the fire and hot apple cider when you finally arrive. The lights and sounds of families and laughter, the music and clanking of dishes and utensils while we share a yummy meal. The delicious food and warm conversations, and the smiles that light up the room even without knowing everything that is being said...
It is my favorite in every single way!
After the wdding and Christmas traditions, it was time to finalize our Christmas trip to HAWAII!!!
We planned and coordinated outfits for the family pictures we would be taking...
...wrapped and delivered gifts to family...and then we were off to HAWAII!!!!!
