Merry and Bright

This Christmas season was merry and bright. It was so special for Christian and I to spend our first Christmas together. More than anything, this season reminds me how much I love my friends and family. That love comes from Jesus Christ. This season is so magical because the love and influence of Christ is abundant so many people are feeling the joy of doing good.

Another magical part is getting to see the excitement of children. At an extended Raleigh family Christmas party, Santa arrived and all the kids rushed down to see him. With the adults and teenagers gathered around, Santa taught everyone about the true meaning of Christmas. My four-year old brother Matthew, with no fear and wisdom much older than his age pipes up loudly, "yeah, it's not about the presents, it's about the people!" Oh, we about died with laughter. Then, no surprise he's first one to line up and sit on Santa's lap. In response to Santa's, "what do you want this year for Christmas?" An exasperated look crosses his face and he says, "Don't you remember? I told you last time!" (He sat on Santa's lap the week before at the ward Christmas party :) Oh, it's so fun that we have opportunities to be surrounded (and entertained) by kids our whole life!

And some new children entering our life include our new niece Madelynn Lucinda Marriott (daughter of Christian's sister Laura) born Dec. 28th. We also got news that Christian's twin brother John and his wife Ida are due June 24th! I couldn't be happier for them :)

Well, to summarize our Christmas season I thought some pictures would be appropriate:

Us in front of Brigham Young's Winter Home in St. George. We decided to take a jaunt down south to go to the temple, enjoy the scenery and comparable warmth, and just have fun with the fam!

Here is Kathryn with Matt. They're at the hotel and Matt is watching his "kid shows". He's quite the cartoon fan.

This is the pic where Dan looked the happiest. Aren't they good lookin' kids?

Our mini-baby Christmas tree and Christmas gifts! We got lots of fun games this year - our favorite gifts by far

We hope our family and friend's Christmas was merry and bright too. We love you all!