What a surprise to open up my email last night and find a kind note and this picture from a family in Kenai, Alaska.  The Brenner family had our boys to dinner on Sunday after having heard them speak in Sacrament Meeting in their ward.  

Taylor is serving in Kenai, Alaska where he is a trainer for Elder Burton (Provo, Utah).  No longer a "bush missionary" Taylor is enjoying a bigger city (with a Walmart and a Fred Meyer!!), a ward instead of a small branch and other missionary companionships to mingle with.  His new area covers the Kenai Penisula and Kodiak Island and the Zone Leaders are only 20 minutes away by car - instead of a ferry ride, and a 3 stop plane ride!!

Finally getting to our

Christmas Day post

Bryan and I were sure glad to have 

Carly, Jeff and Owen for Christmas morning. 

This is our first Christmas as "empty nesters"

and we sure would have been sad and lonely without them.

THANK HEAVENS FOR GRANDKIDS

TO MAKE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING FUN!!

Here's James explaining to Owen how to use his

new "computer"

Only thing missing from Christmas Day ---

this cute little Christmas angel.

And this other cute little angel on the right

Elder Blitzen and Elder Vixen

(By the way they named themselves in the photo)

We were so lucky to spend about 2 hours on

facetime talking with Taylor.  He watched

the family open presents and he gave us a

tour of the Craig, Alaska chapel (including the trap

door in the floor of the chapel that leads

to the baptismal font.

He showed us the beautiful Alaskan view from the porch of the chapel.

Christmas Eve with family!

First it was bowling!!
Only pink bowling balls for Emma.

Then -- let the eating begin!

Brock cooked us up some Prosciutto/Shrimp appetizers

YUM!!

Yep, Nyquil was one of the main food/drink groups 

for the holidays at our house!!

Then there was a whole lot of Guitar Hero!

Laura concentrates - Jeff, totally relaxed.

The rocker formally known a "Qwiin"

I think Anne disputes the score

Owen enjoys his first Christmas Eve!!