A new cousin, nephew, and future sister-in-law

Our little home was filled up with the Walton's for the past week and a half. My in-laws, as well as my bro-in-law Christian and his girlfriend Mary stayed with us for a visit. It was my first time meeting Christian and getting to see him and Zach together. They are so great. It was great to meet my bro-in-law, it felt like I've always known him. Knowing his family so well I only assumed he'd be just as great as the bunch. We went back and forth to Provo visiting family, playing games, eating food, and having a good time. We were busy. With activities involving, Ikea for the heck of it, out to lunch with the whole family in American Fork, going to Salt Lake City, and then the movies for Catching Fire. We enjoyed the company and taking little day trips.

Other notable events happened as well.
Tuesday night the Walton family went to the Marriott at City Creek for the night. We spent the time together before we welcomed one more member to our family the next day. Tuesday night when we arrived to the hotel we all went up to my in-laws room where there was a beautiful set up on the balcony over looking the city. We were up on the fifteenth floor and on the balcony were lights stringed along the railing, candles set on a table for two, sparkling cider, a dozen pink roses, dipped strawberries, and a big diamond ring. Just minutes later the very-much-in-love couple walked into the room and out to the balcony where Christian got down on his knee and proposed to Mary. It was such a great moment for them. Now Mary and Christian are engaged and planning their wedding for March! We are so excited for the two and I'm looking forward to gaining another sister! We all went out to eat and got rest for the following day to come.

My beautiful sister-in-law, Alisha, had a baby Wednesday afternoon. They welcomed Preston Michael to the family. We are so happy for her, Mike, and Savvy. Their baby boy is healthy and perfect, and he is going to be loved everyday of his life. Congrats again Gregson family!

We loved having Savannah over for the few nights while her mom and dad were with her brother in the hospital. She kept us laughing and up late having dance parties and lots of fun. One morning she helped us make pancakes and played with Lauren's play dough, she's always easy to entertain.

Our new nephew wasn't the only baby we welcomed into our family this past week..let me tell you, our family has been so blessed. Just about two weeks ago we received very happy news from mine and Lauren's aunt and uncle. Sarah and Klaus adopted a six month old little boy named Joshua Dale. He is so smiley and so dang adorable. We were able to see pictures of him and Skype with his happy self. After a very long time of our aunt and uncle waiting patiently for their child, they were blessed with the perfect little boy to make their family complete. We are waiting for the day to come to get to hold our new cousin! We already love him so much. Congratulations to my Aunt and Uncle!

We were filled with lots of joy and good food on Thanksgiving day. I hope you were able to be with your loved ones and give them big hugs. We were not able to make it home for this holiday, but we have family and loved ones all around us. We were thankful the Walton's were here and that we were all able to visit with our aunt and cousins in American Fork for our Thanksgiving feast. We enjoyed movies and dessert as well. Zach and I have the best families.

And these two napped during the movie, so Zach fed them bread.


We had over an hour to kill before we went to see Delivery Man so we headed over to Walmart to see what the Thursday commotion was all about, it was terrible.


These past two weeks have been so great. My dad got into SLC airport Friday night and has been kicking with us since. Mom made us a headband and scarf and we got our candles we ordered awhile back. That night us five went out to eat at The Pie, a pizza place in town, there was a musician playing out on the patio so we sat out by the fire for some entertainment and dinner.





After The Pie we walked over to Menchie's for dessert where my dad, of course, got a hold of chalk and wrote this...



Dad leaves for Reno tomorrow to work, we were lucky to have him visit with us.

My husband continues to study hard and I continue to do my best at work. I quit Five Guys about two weeks ago, one of the best decisions I could make at this time. Working those long hours takes a toll on the mind and body. I'm thankful for the opportunity I was given to start work right away when we first moved out here, but I'm also thankful for a stable job at Marriott. Zach goes back to school tomorrow as do I with work. We love the holiday season! Christmas is just around the corner, the snow is too I'm sure. Happy December 1st, tonight we will light our advent candle for the first Sunday of the month. Grandma makes us candles every year, it's a tradition we keep going in our home.

Also tonight we will go to our Stake Nativity. I'm looking forward to starting off our Christmas the right way with the holiday spirit in the air. I know back in Rancho they will be having their own Nativity, it's beautifully done every year. It's for everyone to go and see the reenactment of Christ's birth. If you are in Rancho go and see it, it's so worth it.

Enjoy your Sunday evening.