Uncle Collins!

We had the wonderful opportunity of having Uncle Collin visit us over New Years. He has been in Brazil the last two years serving a mission for our church and missed the births of both of our children. Collin came home to two new nephews he hadn't met yet! I still can't believe I had two babies in less than two years.

We weren't able to make it to Utah for his homecoming, but we still really wanted to see him before he started school. Collin looked up airfare, it wasn't too expensive, so Grandpa Steadman generously paid for his trip out here.

We got him for almost a whole week, but it went by so fast. Quinn instantly liked Collin, and Collin became his new best friend. Daxton took a little more time to warm up to him, but soon also loved his uncle.

We went to Willow River and walked to the falls, visited Mall of America, and of course, we ate at Punch Pizza. Nothing too crazy, but we had a good balance of spending time hanging out and getting out of the house. We really miss our family in Utah, but we are so grateful we got to see Collin!

Christmas in Wisconsin

It has been six whole years since I have been home for Christmas! I can't even believe it. Sadly, it was not white, but it wasn't bitter cold either. I did, however, come down with my sixth breast infection the night before Christmas Eve, but we got right on it and called in some antibiotics. Anyways, we had a really great holiday. We spent Christmas Eve with my family. We shot skeet, ate some incredibly delicious food, opened presents, and finished off the evening with a little "Christmas Vacation." In my mind, it was the perfect day.

On Christmas morning we opened presents at home, and my parents popped in for a few minutes. After nap time we went back to my parents to enjoy some leftovers. We had prime rib three times that week! It doesn't get better than that.

Quinn opened presents like a pro! This was the first holiday he knew what was going on and it was so much fun. A couple days after Christmas he was still asking for more presents. Knowing how much he already loves birthdays, or as he says, "happy day," his birthday will be so much fun!

I just feel so blessed to be home for Christmas. I know Christian was missing all of his family's traditions, but I think it was finally my turn (six years in the waiting). More than presents, the Christmas season is ultimately a celebration of Jesus Christ and His life and sacrifice so we can repent of our sins in order to return to our Father in Heaven. I am SO grateful I have been sealed to my little family for time and all eternity because I think they are pretty great, and I want them with me forever.

He's figured out presents, but Santa Claus...not so much