The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Four Generations...newborn to 91 years of age

It truly has been a Merry Christmas time as family and friends have reached out by phone, cards and letters or the internet to catch up with one another.  It has been a great 2013.  Actually I didn't think I would ever really make it to the 2000's back in the day and time just keeps marching on with or without me.



The year began with the birth of Edith Jane in Feb.  She was born on the 8th with Kira's birthday being the 9th and Brooke's , the 10th.   Our family seems to like grouping birthdays together with Kim and I celebrating in June and the boys all in October.

We went to Wisconsin in April for our anniversary.  We got to spend some time at Tyler's school
( University of Wisconsin, River Falls) but mostly worked on their newly purchased house that needed some remodeling. 
In May, Loida was baptized in the ocean ( China) by McKay.
 

In June, Kim and I went on our Stake Trek at Martin's Cove.  We have gone on a Trek every four years ( a total of 5 for Kim ) and this was the best of the best.  Each night as we sat under the stars and reflected on the days events, we felt a tender spirit that reminded us of many sacrifices made in our behalf by those that have gone before.  It was a very sacred experience.

Then came the opportunity that we never dreamed would come to us in July.  We went with our family to Hong Kong ( except for Brooke's family with little Edie) to attend the wedding of McKay and Loida.  We have had a Hong Kong fund for years but never thought our kids would be going back to the place where their dad served his mission and have a wedding!  Dallin made sure we went to Japan ( his mission but a different part of Japan) as long as we were that close.

 Nothing has topped the wedding but we have some great things to look forward to.
Dallin ( our youngest) will be graduating in April in Computer Science.  He has begun his job at Izeni, Inc. and it is in Provo! Hurray for close.
In LDS.org under Prophets and Apostles, Unto All the World --It All Starts With Love ...Elder Nielsen, is a segment that came out in May about our experience with temple work and our son Bryce.  It is hard to believe that it has been 5 years since he came home from South Africa!  What a lot of great things we have learned from that experience.

McKay and Loida are planning on coming to Utah this summer after they complete their teaching year for a visit and go to the temple to be sealed.  They have enjoyed having Loida's sister's family in Zhengzhou teaching also.
Kira lives in Springville and enjoys her job at Utah Valley Hospital in same day surgery.  It has been great to have her close and do lots of things with her. 
Tyler and Natalie have done a lot of kitchen remodeling in their new but older home in River Falls, Wisconsin.  We were happy to go back in Sept. to be there for Eli's baptism ( our oldest grandson).  Natalie is expecting number four in March!
Brooke and Whit are anxious for their house to be finished in Layton.  They have stayed busy with their two little children.

It is fun to look back and see all the good things that are happening with our family.  It has been an adjustment to have them grow up.  I knew it was going to happen but it is still a "when did that happen" moment for me at times.
It truly is about family...what we learn and do in our homes with those we love and our extended family that tells a story about who we are.  Every day an adventure.  This truly is the most wonderful time of the year!  Merry Christmas from the Christensens!