Brems Ohana: December: A Month of Celebrations!

December, like June, is a month full of celebrations for us. There is the obvious Christmas season that always brings lots of fun, but we also have birthdays, and this year, an exciting graduation.

But before we get into December's celebrations, here are a few pictures of Joseph and his best buddy, Uncle Chad. He loves his Uncle and they spend many hours a day playing together, reading, watching Disney Channel, and just being goofy together.

Early in December, we had the chance to go up to Salt Lake City and meet up with Mark's mom and grandparents. Joseph got to meet his Great Grandma and Grandpa Maxwell!!! He loved spending time with them and Grandma Maxwell. Unfortunately, we didn't get any pictures, but here's a shot of Joseph's first nativity...made by Grandma Maxwell! He loves it and will often play with it...imitating the sheep especially. Thanks for such an enjoyable evening, Grandma Maxwell and Great Grandma and Grandpa!

Next, we went up to Salt Lake for a night of lights. We love seeing the temple lights and were very anxious to be able to take Joseph to Temple Square this year. First was dinner...a quick shot with daddy.

Then, we ventured out in the FREEZING cold! Joseph LOVED the lights!

It wasn't long before he refused to be in his stroller any more and wanted to run free...weaving in and out of the crowds. But, he did find the water and stopped to admire it...giving Mark a chance to capture these very sweet shots!

Taking a little break inside to warm up a bit.

And then back out again...

Kind of fun that it was snowing...not so fun that a snowflake covered Joseph's face....

Three of our parents have birthdays in December. This year my mom turned 50 so I really wanted to be there for her special day. But, we had to split up a bit, unfortunately. Mark and I do not do well separated so that part wasn't fun...but otherwise, Joseph and I had a fun time celebrating with grandma in Hawaii.

First, we went to the mall and took a picture with Santa and rode on the train again. Joseph hated being with Santa alone...so I got to be part of his first Santa experience with him...pic to come later. But, he loved the choo choo train!

When we got off the train, it started to snow...well, Hawaii style snow...the mall's Christmas tree had a bubble maker in it and it would blow out bubble bunches every 15 minutes which they called a blizzard. As much as Joseph loves the real deal...he loved the fake snow as well...even tried catching the flakes in his mouth! :)

Some more mall toys...Joseph is definitely a prince whenever Grandma is around!

Happy Birthday, Grama!

Unfortunately, Joseph was up sick the night of grandma's birthday...so we didn't get to go to her surprise party the next day...but we hope you had a great 50th, Grama!

Grandpa time...

Joseph was introduced to my favorite treat...Long Johns! And, he loved them just as much as his mommy does!

On our last night we had some family time...

Dad even made my VERY favorite...his Chinese Pot Roast Chicken and Chow Fun! YUMMY!!!!

THANKS for such a fun trip, mom and dad!

Once Joseph and I returned from Hawaii, Mark headed out to Phoenix for Robert's graduation! Congratulations, Robert!!!! We're all very excited for you!

Meanwhile, in Provo, we got some snow and our little snowman was SO excited. He even got to try out his new snow pants!

Sweet Joseph...

Argh...

Our travels are all done and we are happy to be together again as a family! Joseph is also very happy to be with his Uncle Chad again. He kept his Uncle busy today...watching Disney...

...and playing chase with his puppy...

...and mowing the carpet...

I don't know who was more ready for nap time when it came...Chad or Joseph!?!

And, our month of celebrations continued this afternoon...we had our Christmas Eve together tonight because tomorrow night we get to spend it with the Brems family!

First an attempt at a family picture...attempt is the key word...