Brooke's Journal: 12/18/14-1/6/15 Christmas in San Diego

I'm going to try out doing a journal on the computer so that I can add pictures. I'm feeling rather computer illiterate though so we'll see how it goes. It's a new year so it's time to try some new things. The year has been good so far.

We set up the tree after Thanksgiving. We had fun getting into the Christmas spirit. We got the elf on the shelf this year and we named her Jingles. The kids had fun finding her every morning and I had fun reminding them to be good so that Jingles could report back to Santa that they had been good 😉

We spent Christmas in San Diego in the fabulously warm weather. The girls loved spending time with Auntie Anne and Uncle Cam and of course Giga and Papa. Actually everyone was there this Christmas season, at least for Lincoln's blessing. Ammon, Jordan, Steve, Keoka, my dad and Nick were all in the blessing circle. Nick gave a beautiful blessing making sure to cover all the important things like temple marriage, a mission, kindness to others and a strong priesthood holder. Amber and Nicholas Orrego also blessed their baby, Mary.

The house was full to the brim. Mom took extra care to decorate the house wonderfully and it definitely looked magical. We spent Christmas Eve at the beach. The waves were ginormous and kind of scary for swimming. I got tumbled under the water quite a few times and I realized just how out of shape I am. But it was awesome just the same. Both Ella and Annalise are water babies. They went in many times even though the water was pretty freezing. That's my girls.

We made gingerbread houses and played a ton of games. Mom and I went for a run on most days and nick got a chance to catch up on his movies. The kids loved playing with their Auntie Anne and Uncle Cam. Lisey absolutely loves Papa. They seem to have a special bond. My dad even watched the kids a few times so I could have a real break. It was great to have a break but most of all it was just great to be with family.