Our Happy Holiday

Well, we're back. We've been back home for about a week now but I feel like I'm just barely getting back into the swing of things. I bummed around for about 3 days and then had the craziest weekend and now I'm back to normal.

Our holiday season was really a treat this year! Now that Lana is older and much more observant and aware of her surroundings, getting ready for Christmas was very exciting for us. Every time we got in the car, I had the radio set to Christmas music and it was a blast hearing Lana sing at the top of her lungs along with me. We enjoyed making cookies, going Christmas caroling and thanks to Nala, making a gingerbread house. In my case: a gingerbread shack. Mat and I got into decorating the tree and putting up lights and enjoyed the spirit of Christmas that was in our home. It also helped to be in our ward choir and have the beautiful songs of Christ swimming around in our heads during the season.

Christmas morning was very relaxing thanks to Lana. She was SOOOO patient with us. As excited as she was to open her presents, she waited until Mat and I got up, freshened up a bit and got around to opening presents. The poor girl-she carried around a present for the longest time asking if we were ready yet. She did get the concept of waiting until we were all together to enjoy opening presents. Last year we found her in the closet quietly trying to open a gift. This year around the first or second week of December she wanted to open a present and said, "Mom, can we go to Christmas?"

Mat and I had fun playing with all the fun toys and goodies she got for Christmas- a big thanks to Grandmas and Grandpas!! We enjoyed the rest of the afternoon and then headed out for our weekly ritual of volleyball night at the church. Yes, even on Christmas. We actually bought a bingo game and played that first with prizes for the winners. It turned out to be so much fun (even if I never win!). Then volleyball was amazing because for some reason a whole gym-full of people showed up wanting to play! It was great! We played for hours and hours and then realized that we were so hungry. So where did we go for a late night Christmas dinner? The only place open at midnight on Christmas in our neighborhood: Denny's. The funny thing was there was a man there in a red sweater that looked just like Santa and Lana pointed him out right away and went to say hi.

The day after Christmas we packed up our car and headed out to Kansas via Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and Oklahoma. Mat bought a little bottle of magic potion (energy drink) to help him stay awake but alas, he didn't need it. He was probably our greatest asset on this journey because of his late-night hours and very alert driving. We were set up with a GPS and a DVD player for Lana which pretty much played Peter Pan over and over and over and over and...you get the picture.

I can't express the excitement, relief, comfort and joy of making it to my mom and dads. They came out in the cold and gave us big hugs! Lana had been dying to see Grandma, Grandpa and Mischa and ever since we left California she was looking out the window for their house. I tried to explain that it would take a LONG time before we would get there. When we finally did, she sure made herself at home! She loved being with everyone and going up and down the stairs, helping Grandma, playing with Mischa, and exploring all the nooks and crannies in their big house. I just loved their house- it was so roomy and beautifully decorated. I wish we lived closer so we could always come over and visit. It was wonderful visiting but hard knowing that after a short time we'd have to leave.

The next day Michael and Kaitlyn arrived. They also had quite a long journey- they drove from Florida. Yes, we are all insane. It was so great to see them as well. I still can't believe how much Mike has grown up. I guess it's still the big sister in me, I can't seem to get used to how old he is and that he's married with a life of his own. The two of them were inseparable which was cute. I'm glad that we got to spend time together especially because I finally got to spend time with Kaitlyn. She is such a great girl and I can see why Mike knew so quickly that he had to snag her before anyone else did. It's great to have her in the family and I hope to see them both again soon. Kaitlyn was so cute with Lana- she braided her hair (which I can only do on a really good day) and told her stories and even put her to bed! Too bad I can't talk them into having a little cousin for Lana sooner than later. :)

My little sister has the cutest haircut! Lana and I agree that it's as short as peter pan's hair but it looks adorable on her. She's growing into such a great person and I admire so many qualities in her. It must be from the strong influence of my mom and dad as she's the only one left in the house. Lana just adores her and even on our drive over, when we would mention her name, Lana couldn't help but have a big smile on her face in her excitement.

Mom made our stay so carefree and wonderful. I would find myself doing my own thing and after hours asking myself, "where's Lana?" Of course she would be with my mom doing some fun thing. They cooked together, read books, did little crafts together and had a great time. I have to also say that I was in HEAVEN with my mom's cooking. I WANT MY MOM BACK! Do you ever wish that you could be back at home again with mom's cooking and smell it throughout the house and hear,"dinner's ready?" Ahhh, the bliss.

My Dad is the coolest guy ever. He is such a great example to me. I can always find him reading, studying and doing something important. I loved being with him and spending time with him. It seems like they really enjoy living in Kansas and have met good people. He still goes running every morning and unfortunately I couldn't drag myself out of bed early enough to join him and Mike. The best was being able to play racquetball with him. I love playing but never ever get the chance to cause it's hard to find someone to play with. I had so much fun and it was great to play with him and Mischa and Mike and Kaitlyn.

Mat and I even got to go on a little date together while we were there. It was pretty much the best week ever and it was so hard to leave! I can't remember who said it but someone told me that the way back would seem shorter. False. it was the worst. The weather was great and all but it just seemed to take so much longer. We were sad to leave, Lana missed the family, the scenery was boring, I had a headache, Mat and a stomachache, I got pulled over (for going 41 in a 35 mind you)and I was getting so tired of PETER PAN!! Anyway, we made it home at 1:30 am Sunday morning. I vegged out the following week and here I am a week later finally put together. We had such a great time, thanks FAMILY! WE MISS YOU, SHAEFER! I can't wait for next year because we can finally ALL be together.