Decking the Halls and Trimming the Tree: ROUND 2

Okay, so we really didn't wait really this long to finish the tree, but we were gone this weekend, which was really fun, and I will get to that later.  First off, we went to Joann's in the nick of time before closing and snagged two more set's of lights with their sweet 60% off sale (I know, I know it will be way cheaper by January, but we are celebrating Christmas with a tree this year - so I had to feel pretty good about the "deal") and headed home determined to finish up.  Jared skillfully finished the tree off . . .

And we finally had our finished product!  I have been getting home really late this past week.  Due to Christmas present projects and the serious "night owl bug" I got this week.   Here it is:

We are sure happy to have a tree and presents to put under it.  This year, I was a bit sad not to be in Oregon with my family, but starting out own traditions and being home together without any stress has been absolutely wonderful!  I feel so grateful and blessed.  Plus, it is just so much fun to start these things together! 

This weekend we had a fly-by trip to Draper then Provo, down to Mapleton, Manti, back up to Salt Lake City, and home to Logan.  It was ALOT of driving (my least favorite part)!  But smooth in our new car, which I am so grateful for and got to see lot's of family and friends.

Draper was good news.  I just finished my 15 weeks of going once a week and have just started going once a month.  December was my first time waiting three weeks and good news, I am still progressing without weekly treatment.  I can't believe we did all that driving without any pain! Yippee!!!  That evening we got to spend with Leah and Geoff, Isaac and Lucy.  It was so much fun to see them and their new house the next morning.  GORGEOUS and SUPER exciting!  We had the blessing of seeing Manti in the winter and going through the Manti Temple for one of my mission companion's wedding.  The temple is absoluetly exquisit and unique.  The ceremony was so sweet.  We were so pleased to be apart of it.   Then we raced back up to SLC for a wonderful dinner with so many sibilings (Matt,Jessica, Emi, Geoff, Leah), neices and nephews (Isaac, Lucy, Sophia, and Sage) who were so funny playing together, and my wonderful hosting grandparents (Virginia and Rudy).  We loved every  moment of it.  Thank you to everyone who made that trip so much fun and possible for us.

Have a very merry Christmas!