My Favorite Time of Year

December has always captured my attention and imagination. My mind and heart get caught up in the ambiance of the Christmas season, and it doesn't help that in my family we have five birthdays in one week. With my parents gone, I wasn't sure if this December would live up to the hype my mind places on the month, but my aunt, friends, and family maintained the joy that comes from Christmas.

First, my dear friend Erin married the man of her dreams. They had a traditional Indian/Mormon wedding (is there such a thing?) and it was so fun to see my normally strong-willed friend tear up during the ceremony. But she looks incredibly happy and I felt honored to spend the day celebrating the nuptials.

Next, my aunt offered to host a birthday celebration. Neither of my two sisters and their families could make it that night, so it turned out to be an extended family celebration. My aunt makes the most delicious food and has stepped in as a mom figure for me while my mom served in Mexico. I'm glad I got to spend my birthday with family. After Erin's wedding, my aunt and I also put up her Christmas tree. I thought that was one traditional I wouldn't get do this year, and I ended up decorating three trees: two while in California and then my aunt's tree. 

A few days later I had a second birthday celebration with my family. I love all my nieces and nephews. They definitely are my kids too!

Christmas Day was wonderful. Family. Food. Hangouts. Silliness. Pictures do speak a thousand words.

Bon Jovi tickets

My little buddy

Setting up their new computers

Hanging Out

My friend Jon came to town that week and I spent a lot of time with him. On New Year's Eve we joined my sister and her family on a Park City ski trip. I didn't realize how tiny Brighton was until I skied Park City. Wow! All in all, December lived up to my memories of being the best time of year.