it's a wonderful world: Christmas in Park City

Christmas with the family 2014

I left Hong Kong in December and flew to Los Angeles. Greg picked me up from the airport and we drove to Ryan and Erica's to surprise the girls. I had a fun few days with them before flying to Utah.

I arrived in Utah late on the night of December 13. I almost talked myself out of seeing my mom the following Sunday because I thought I'd wait until the kids flew in mid-week, thinking we could all go together. I'm glad I did not. I drove to Tooele with my sister in law Shawna and we spent some time with my mom. Although I felt she had regressed from the last time I saw here a few months ago, her spirits were good and she was content with the decision that she had moved to an assisted living facility. I felt good about it too. I gave her a hug and told her that I loved her. To my surprise, she passed away three days later. She aspirated on either food, medication or her own vomit. I am so very grateful that neither of my parents had to live with a chronic illness for years. She passed quickly.

Bitter sweet to say goodbye to loved ones and welcome others. Doug and I spoke at the viewing, after Doug dedicated the grave. The family moved forward and celebrated Christmas. I felt it comforting that Mom died at Christmas. Everything I've been taught about the plan of happiness and the atonement was now real.

Children's play makes everything all right. And so does grandpa.

Cousins getting to know each other. Cute Warren (2.5) and Fallon (7 mo).

The hot tub is always a hit. Some kids get matching Pj's, ours received matching swimming suits.

Crazy California Camryn

The adults found a little time to get out.

There was A LOT of time in the kitchen!

Preparing for our pre-Christmas dinner and the Nativity program.

A musical preformed by the girls.

In addition to reading the Nativity story from Luke, we talked about the animals having spirits too, celebrating the arrival of the Christ child.

Cody and Whitney had to leave Christmas Eve morning so we had an early present opening. Warren was ecstatic with all of his Thomas the Train gifts, and Cassidy was excited to give presents as much as open them.