CeLeBration! News: Pre-Christmas in Montana

Getting together for the holidays as an entire family (sans our Elder Allred on a mission) was definitely the highlight of the year for me. Tracy, Bryant and I landed in Seattle a week or so before Christmas, and Emily and children met us at the airport. We were so happy to see her and her cute little kiddos. We then spent a few days at Marie's house where we witnessed the baptism of our first grandchild, Isabella, and blessing of Charlton. In the following days we made lebkuchen and Christmas pajamas for all the little ones.

After a few days, we headed to Spokane with Isabella in tow. She spent a few days with Lauren and Steve while Tracy, Bryant and I headed to Idaho to visit Grandma Minnie and to pick up Lissie from BYU-Idaho; we also made a quick overnight trip to Utah to see Grandma Kay and Grandpa Gordon, and to attend cousin Kathleen's wedding. We then headed back to Montana on Saturday (spent the night) and the next morning hurried to Spokane for the blessing of baby Logan. Whew! That was a lot of driving.

Matthew joined us on the evening of the 22nd and we all (except Lauren and family) spent a couple of wonderful days on the Hermes Ranch in Montana with Aunt Kay. We had the most wonderful time making more lebkuchen, playing in the snow, and cutting a Christmas tree. Aunt Kay is always so wonderful to us. My very happiest childhood memories were spent on this Montana ranch and it simply fills my spirit with joy to be able to spend some time together there with my children and grandchildren.