Well I guess it's about time I catch up on all our comings and goings the past few weeks. It's been a whirlwind! We had our last Thanksgiving here in Lexington with a couple families in our ward, the Poulsen's and Smith's. We ate amazing smoked turkey, played games, went Black Friday shopping and just enjoyed being together. Loren and I left our camera in the car so we didn't get any pictures sadly. It was a great day though.
A couple days before we left for Utah, Lydia and I went with some friends to a Christmas party. There were crafts, cookie making, a pancake breakfast and a visit with Santa. It was a great way to get in the mood for Christmas.
No crying this year! But no smiling either.
Then it was the Christmas parade! I'm really going to miss this tradition when we leave. That parade rivals Hyrum's 4th of July, it's fantastic with everything from dancers, bands, nativities, the Grinch with bubbles and of course, Santa. It took almost 2 hours from start to finish. We were frozen by the end but loved it! Our friends the Poulsens saved a prime spot for us to watch.
Lydia's friends: Olivia, Belle, Adeline, Olive and Hope with Lydia on the end.
A couple days after Loren's final we flew out to Utah for our Christmas break. We spent the first night at my brother, Cam's house in Sandy so we could see Brendan the next day at the hospital. It was so wonderful to see family again! My nephew, Greyson, is getting so big and is completely adorable.
Seeing snow for the first time this year. "Brr!" said Lydia.
The next day we were able to see Brendan. We went with him to his radiation appointment and then to Farmington to his uncle's house where he stays during his treatments. Lydia fell in love with Sheldon's dog. She'd chase her and give her big hugs.
Those first few days we were there were really hard for Brendan. He was really nauseated and weak. It was hard to see him like that. It's one thing to read about it over the blog but totally different to actually be there with him when he's not well. We were so grateful for the chance we had to be with him.
We were able to watch my brother, Brayden's swim meet. I'm blown away at how much he's improved and how buff he is!
One of the highlights of the trip was watching my sister, Emily perform her cabaret dance. It was SO beautiful! They've been practicing since June and have had to learn some crazy hard lifts. They were flawless and almost had me bawling. The dress she's wearing was made by my sister-in-law, Mary. I'm amazed at how naturally dancing comes to Em. She's truly beautiful and talented.
We spent Christmas morning in Hyrum and the afternoon in Avon. Christmas is much more fun with a little one! Lydia was so excited to open her presents. She got a rubber duckie and tiara from Santa. I love this age because no matter what she gets, she's excited.
Grandpa's new recliner! My mom and I bought it Christmas Eve (yep, it was crazy) and then we all had to figure out how to transport and move it downstairs without my dad knowing. It was quite the feat but we did it!
So glad Brendan was able to be with us.
She loved her new fuzzy mittens and had to show me how soft they were.
Rachel brought back a lot of awesome things from the Czech Republic. "Czech me out!"
"Elsa!!"
Lydia and Aaron loved running and jumping on the beanbag. They did it for quite awhile.
My brother Nate was married on January 2nd. It was a beautiful, freezing day! We're so glad to have Kiana in the family. Unfortunately we never got a good picture of them together, just all the crazy behind-the-scenes stuff.
After decorating and putting on the luncheon for 140 people, we all collapsed on couches to gather our strength before the reception.
Cam, Greyson, Nate, Lydia, Jamie
We had my family Christmas party a few days after Christmas so everyone could be there. We played racquetball, games and opened presents from each other.
Apparently she loves bacon.
Just like that our break was over. It's always hard to say goodbye, but I was surprised that it wasn't quite as hard as all the other times. I think knowing that we'll be home for good in just 4 months made it a lot easier. It's made me want to enjoy all the time we have left in Lexington because before we know it, it will be over.
Lydia hadn't quite caught the vision. She was not at all excited to leave her grandparents, aunts and uncles.
Saying goodbye to mom and dad Peck at the airport.
During our layover in Cincinnati, Lydia had fun in the kids section. I give this airport five stars out of five for that. Lydia was a trooper on the planes and besides a 15 minute meltdown, she did great. I just hope we don't have to fly again for a very long time.
Our last semester of law school is underway!
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