Christmas time in California!

Wait, its Christmas time? How can you tell with sunny warm weather and no snow? It has been quite the mind game after Thanksgiving to really feel like it is Christmas time. We even decorated, we listen to Christmas music, go to Christmas parties, the whole nine yards. Let me just update really quick on what we have been up to out here. We were so lucky to have some of Drew's family out here for Thanksgiving like we said earlier. Thanks again for coming and spending time with us. After that we have mostly been busy with work and internships. We have been able to go to a ward Christmas party which was fun in the way we were able to meet more members of our ward and enjoy a really great program. What a talented ward! Myself and a friend were so blessed to be able to go to a girls night and get to know more women in our ward. What a fun night! Thanks again for that! I can't wait for more fun times! And last night we were able to spend time with my Mom a day after her birthday, down where she lives watching a Christmas boat parade all about Santa. It was really quite different. It was a really mixed group of people and the thing I really enjoyed was there were 2 kids on the boat, intently watching the parade. I tried to put myself in their shoes as they watched the parade. The twinkle in their eyes and the excitement helped me to remember it was Christmas time. Here's a picture I got off the internet. We only got picture's on our phone, but it was really cool watching all these boats go by with all this decor and lights. It was really fun and entertaining!

And to be totally honest with you, being in California has helped me to realize what Christmas is truly about. Its not all about the worldly things, I mean the worldly things sure make it fun and enjoyable, don't get me wrong. By going to these parties and being around friends and family has helped me to remember what the Christmas spirit really is. Its about the birth of our Savior and the love and peace that that brings. Its about service and sacrifice and truly loving those around you. I am so grateful for the many examples that we have in our lives that show us the true meaning of Christmas. We have been so blessed out here in the way that our family has reached out and been there for us when we need help. The ward we are in is so indescribably great, everyone has been so welcoming and great to us. We are the ward missionaries in our ward with another couple and we are so excited about that! So even though there's no snow and the weather is really nice, we are able to reflect on what Christmas is really about. I hope everyone has a really great Christmas, we will be back in Utah for a little while to spend time with family during the Holidays. What a Great way to bring in the New Year! Thanks again to everyone that has been there for us and been our friends through all of this. Merry Christmas and may blessing pour out upon all of you this Christmas Season!