The Schmidts

Santa had a surprise for Sam when we got home! A John Deere pedal tractor. To this day he refers to it as "Ho", what he says for Santa and Christmas.  Somehow Justin got Sam to push him and I couldn't get a picture without cutting Justin out, ha ha oops.

Sam and I spent December 17th through January 8th in Utah and Justin joined us December 23rd to January 2nd.  It was fun to be with family - people who we love and respect. We are so blessed to have such wonderful family. We really tried to soak it in because most likely we will not be in Utah next Christmas. Here are a few pictures and details of our fun time in Utah.Yes, Sam's schedule went out the window but what a good time! We had our first night with the Schmidts. Sam and I then headed up to Tremonton. Sam remembered where Grandma and Grandpa's toys were. He went straight to the cupboard. Sam remembered a lot more than I thought he would. Everyone was pleasantly surprised when his face lit up and he was ready to give them a hug at the first visit. We took a ride with Grandpa and Grandma Barfuss in a Semi or Big Truck. Sam really enjoyed it. Often when he sees a semi he says Grandpa. We drove to West Jordan where we picked up a load of dairy leftovers (can't rem...

Before we left for our time in Utah we did have fun preparing for Christmas. Knowing we would be leaving soon I was more motivated to start earlier on everything. It made for a less stressful Christmas. Now if I can do that every year, that would be something. :)  Our Christmas tree and stockings. We didn't put one up last year, so I really enjoyed it this year. I would sit on the couch and just look at it quite often.  After it came down, Sam is still pointing to the flat circle in our carpet and saying "twee". Our new neighbors received some bread and Maddox raspberry butter from us for Christmas. I really enjoyed making it but was glad we were so new I only had to make one batch of each. :) Then we were off to Utah - Sam and I flew out December 17th, Justin joining us on the 23rd.

Jet, Chantal, Sam, Eden The men: Justin and Ben carving the Turkey up Our make shift table to feast at Ben, Chantal, Jet and Eden Howell were new to the Jacksonville, Arkansas area like us and were good to share the Thanksgiving holiday with us. We missed being with family but it was sure fun to get to know these guys better and share with each other our different family traditions. Sam loved having playmates. He knows them by name and every Sunday on our way to church Sam is saying "Jet and Eden" because we see them at church. Thanks to the Howell's we had a wonderful Thanksgiving!