A December to Remember

Christmas crept upon us this year. There was so much to do and so much to celebrate. It was time to go out and share the holiday spirit.

The month of December started out on high note. We got to go to our ward Christmas party. There was so much delicious food, beautiful decorations, and great people to mingle with. I got to perform in a musical number with a group of women. I sang the alto part to, "Sing We Now of Christmas." It felt amazing to sing with such a talented group. 

A week later, Autumn got to meet Santa Claus for the first time. We went to a local public library where they were doing meet and greet pictures with Santa. She was scared to meet Santa at first. She cried for a little while, but warmed up very quickly and was happy. Maybe she knows that she is on Santa's nice list? :) Overall, I'd say she did very well meeting Santa.

We made it a tradition every year to see the Trail of Lights in Austin. When you start walking down the path, immediately you see thousands of twinkling lights. Autumn was in heaven! She loved looking around and pointing at all the light displays. I was so happy Collin was able to come this year. It made everything feel more special. I am always amazed at how much time and dedication they put into the Trail of Lights. It is truly remarkable.

A week later, we were packing our bags and heading out to California to see our families. Autumn was once again reunited with old family members and even got to meet some new ones. Collin's brothers were able to come out and make an appearance for Christmas. Since they live so far away, it was nice to be able to see them again in person.

We have so many fun memories from the trip. Everyday there was something to do. We had game nights, watched Christmas movies, had gift exchanges, did some family outings, and of course, ate a lot of festive food. I loved making the melted snowman cookies. My mom found a great recipe for them. They were so cute and easy to make.

I loved seeing the Christmas lights with Collin and Autumn. We walked around a neighborhood in Rocklin and saw so many houses decked out in Christmas lights. Each house had a theme from classic movies. Autumn was completely mesmerized. They always do an amazing job each year.

Another fun event that stood out from the trip was when we went to the World of Wonders Science Museum in Lodi. Autumn had so much fun playing with her cousins. She got to do a lot of exploring and making new discoveries. I think all the fun wore her out. She crashed by the end of the outing. I thought it was such a cool museum for kids and adults alike.

The thing I love most about the holidays is the joy you feel seeing family and old friends again. There is nothing like the feeling of spending time with those you love. We are so fortunate to come to California for the holidays. Christmas maybe over, but the bright memories always live on. We can't wait to see what will come in 2019.


Texas:


Photo booth fun at the ward Christmas party







We made Christmas cookies for our neighbors for FHE one night








How the Autumn stole Christmas.... lights





She didn't get a good impression of Santa at first...





...But quickly perked up







Trail of Lights. The rainbow tunnel is our favorite.







Cinderella's carriage






I love this silhouette shot of Collin and Autumn in front of the globe






Bat Cave






They built this just for me. ;)





True Texans








Going through the final tunnel






California:


Autumn reunited with her cute cousins, Everett and Abbey



The melted snowman cookies. They turned out so cute!






My sista!




Love this little man




Daddy and his daughters at Christmastime






She loved "opening" the presents





Patty opening our gift






Autumn having fun with her Grandpa Carter





Getting to see my Grandma Carter. Such a sweetheart.





Seeing the Christmas lights in Rocklin. This is probably my favorite house.





At church the Sunday before Christmas







Playing with Aunt Mikaela










Christmas Eve. My sister-in-law and I were pregnant together and now our babies are 1!




Christmas morning with my angel





Wheeler Family on Christmas. We missed Joce and her family who were in Colorado for the holidays.



One of these things is not like the other. :)




Three Generations. My mom is pretty great.




Autumn with her Grandma Carter





My beautiful family on Christmas day

















Playing at the museum






Matching cousins





She painted that herself. :)





She's out





Grandma time





Getting more confident in standing






Sunday best on the eve of New Year's Eve


Comments

  1. This is great Kaitlin! You guys are so fun and you do such a good job capturing the moment! I always forget to take pictures when fun stuff is going on:)

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