California

D had a business meeting in California after Christmas so we decided to go down as a family and make it part of the kids Christmas present.  I wrapped up a card that said we were going to California. The kids were very excited!  We had Sea World tickets that were still good so we decided to spend a day there.  It was fun with some Christmas programs and winter things they didn't have when we went in March. 

We also spent a lot of time at the beach.  I forgot to take my camera to most everything we did in San Diego.  We went to Coronodo beach for the first time and it was awesome.  A new favorite for us. We had such a fun time together playing games, swimming, shopping, eating out and going to Sea World.  It was a fun little vacation and get away.  Hopefully one the kids will always remember. Here are the pictures I took at our favorite beach near Newport.  We watched the sunset...it was beautiful!! 

 Sand angel

Christmas 2011

Our family in front of the Christmas tree. As you can see I made sure a picture of Wyatt was part of it.  We had a wonderful Christmas and enjoyed being together as a family.  As each year goes by without Wyatt we continue to wonder how much he would have enjoyed that particular Christmas and we dream of the day when we do get to see him opening presents. We love him and miss him.  Each Christmas I have a gift from Wyatt to the family.  Usually a game.  This year it was a Wii game.  I forgot to take a picture of it along with his stocking still hanging when all the rest are down.  Something I have done each year.  Here are a few pictures of Christmas morning along with a couple from Grandma and Grandpa's house.

   Hay wanted a picture in front of Grandma and Grandpa's tree. 

 Excited!!



Christmas Eve 2011

 This year the weather cooperated and we were able to go up north for Christmas Eve and enjoy sometime with family.  It was wonderful!  Hay got to be Mary this year in our nativity play which was a big highlight for her.  We were able to drive home that night in time for Santa to come.  It's always a wonderful thing when we get to spend time with those we love.  We were also able to go and see the lights at temple square that Hay has never done before.  We took a couple of cousins with us and had a really fun time.  I LOVE christmas lights so it's always so fun to enjoy them at such a special place.

Since we were going to be up north for Christmas eve we had our family Christmas eve traditions on the Monday night before Christmas.  We had a nice dinner and set a place for Wyatt. We talked about our no empty chairs theme and how Wyatt's chair is gone at this table but he has filled his seat at our heavenly table and that is the goal of each of us.  We then went to his grave and put battery operated candles on it.  It was so nice to have his bench there this year.  We then sang silent night while the girls played the violin.  We came home and there were Pj's wrapped up for all of us to open.  It was a fun and memorable evening together as a family.  We continue to miss Wyatt and wish he was with us physically.  We do know he is with us spiritually on these important family activities along with I'm sure many, many other times as well.

 Our table set for our Christmas Eve dinner on the Monday before Christmas. 

 Wyatt's place setting. It is always something I look forward too each year when I get to get out 6 plates and set a place for Wyatt.  I feel a sense of completeness when I get to set a place for him.

 This year I bought these cute little snowflake place card holders.  We used it in January as well.

The Nativity

 Ty played the piano for all the songs we sang.

 D as Ceasar

 Wyatt as the star.

 Hay riding the donkey.

Opening presents from Grandma and Grandpa.