Christmas in Idaho

This year Jared, Ethan and I flew to Idaho for Christmas. We had a great trip! Jared's sisters drove up from Utah the first night we got there to see us since we were "close". Somehow living in Phoenix makes Salt Lake City seem close. It was so great to see them. Our visit was brief but I was so happy to see my beautiful, wonderful sister -in-laws and my niece Austyn.

Jenna, Jessica, Austyn, Janae, Jamison (Janae's boyfriend), Marcie and Jared

Ethan loved Christmas this year. He loved ripping wrapping paper and his favorite gift was push toy that plays music. Ethan experienced his first snow. Grandma and Grandpa bought him a snow suit and he got to use it. The funny thing was that the snow suit was so puffy he couldn't stand himself back up if he fell down. He loved the snow...or should I say he loved eating the snow. The first thing he did once he got outside was to take a huge handful of snow and stuff it in his mouth. It made me wonder if I am starving my child or if he's just a typical boy that will eat anything and everything.

Ethan had another breakthrough on our trip. He started saying quite a few new words. He says hi (but only when he wants to say hi to you, not when you say hi to him), baby, Abby (his cousin's name), mommy instead of just mamma, ball, nana for banana and yesterday he said gampa for grandpa. He walks like a pro now and still shows an undying love for stuffed animals, blankets, books, and anything with a long handle that he can push around. He also loves to fold his arms for prayer. Ethan has decided that he can feed himself with a spoon now. He isn't great at it yet but he does okay. He is into everything these days. I have been come very sensitive to the sound of silence. That sound usually means Ethan is getting into something he knows he shouldn't. Ethan is our greatest joy and we are so thankful to have him in our home.

Ethan on Christmas morning

Ethan and cousin Abby

Being in Idaho for Christmas was awesome. I got to see so many of my loved ones that I haven't seen since last Christmas. I miss everyone already. Being with my sisters, brother-in-law, Mom and Dad was so wonderful and so overdue! I also got to spend lots of time with my adorable niece Abby and, of course, I got extremely attached to her over two weeks. I miss her so much! I also got to talk to my little brother Keith (who is on a mission in Georgia) on Christmas day. It was two weeks full of yummy food, singing christmas songs, watching movies, playing games, going to family gatherings, hugs, long talks with my sisters and mom and so much more. I love my family!

Idaho snow! It was beautiful and a nice change from Arizona!

Coming home was very easy because Jared actually flew home on Christmas day and Ethan and I stayed in Idaho until New Years day. I hated not being with my husband. After he was gone everything was less exciting. Somehow I felt like I was missing a part of myself, even around my family, when we were apart. With the seperation I can tell you my love and appreciation for him grew ten fold and I was so excited to see him when it was time to go home. I love my husband so much!

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!