The Manti Temple

Our friend Jessica Sorrenson went through the temple on Tuesday and I was invited to attend. She chose the Manti Temple, which is absolutely breathtaking but rather far from Provo. It snowed the night before and I thought the roads would be clear since the sun was out. WRONG... the roads after the Spanish Fork Canyon were all slush for about 45 minutes and driving only 24 mph, I was reluctant to turn around and call it a day. I am not from Utah and am VERY scared of the snow and especially slush on the roads. I said a million prayers that day and thankfully we arrived safely. Only 10 minutes too late that is. I came all that way, drove through the worst roads I've ever experienced to find out I didn't make it. I was pretty disappointed but I had other options. I ended up having one of the most spiritual experiences at the temple that day and I realized something important.
Nothing should keep me from attending the temple.
I am so grateful that we have temples to worship in. To find peace. To find direction.
To strengthen our testimonies. To find out more about our Savior Jesus Christ.

Katie's Utah bridal shower

-the food-

Now, time for presents!

My little sister Katie is getting married in 3 WEEKS!! So, last weekend me and the mother of the groom threw Katie a shower mostly for her fiance's family. It was an emergency preparedness/food storage bridal shower which was my first to attend and help plan! I am so glad we went along with this theme because Katie is set for life. I am so, so happy for my baby sister and can't wait to head to California to prep for the wedding!!

New Year's Eve in Hilton Head, SC

Hilton Head is absolutely beautiful!
This is supposed to be the middle of winter and the South Carolina coast is warm and full of sunshine! We spent some time with a family friend chatting and taking a walk to this lovely beach. Little Charlie loved the water and did not want to leave. He enjoyed playing with daddy in the water and being pushed in his stroller by Grandpa. I'm so glad we were able to visit Hilton Head even if it was only for a few hours and I am so grateful for Charlie's family and for the quality time we were able to spend with them. His parent's became our traveling buddies as we spent time in Savannah and Hilton Head for New Years.

Ode to Christmas

Christmas was wonderful in Georgia! It snowed all day and it was quite magical to have my first "white Christmas." Little Charlie was just darling all day and very much enjoyed opening up his gifts and everyone's gifts for that matter. I hope you enjoyed the video of Grandpa and little Charlie as Char opened his sing-along book! Sorry this post is about a month late, I'll try better next time!

We're off...

to Savannah and Hilton Head for the next few days!

This time two years ago we were in Savannah celebrating Reba's birthday, oh how we miss her this year!

see ya'll later!!

dinner at the fish market

We celebrated Becca's birthday by going to the Marrieta Fish Market for dinner. I don't think they serve seafood without it being fried first! With that being said, well I don't think I should go on! Little Charlie made a new discovery... Ranch!!! It must be all toddlers that love ranch because I remember my little toddler class at kindercare and they LOVED ranch as well!

So, I don't eat seafood nor do I ever go to restaurants where seafood is the specialty. However, I was able to eat baby shrimp which is very mild. I know Charlie is hoping this will change since he LOVES seafood!

Christmas Eve

Little Charlie had all eyes on him. I think everyone loves having a little boy around!

We spent Christmas Eve at Jon and Becca's home. They had homemade chili and Becca's mom Nita made trays and trays of treats. Baby Charlie was always being held by someone and he just loved all the attention! We read from the book of Luke in the New Testament right before we opened gifts. We played with the gifts we recieved including pick up sticks, watching the slinky drop off each step down the stairs, and coloring in Charlie's coloring book. It was a wonderful evening and I'm so glad we are here in Georgia with Charlie's family.