Christmas 2017!

John & I actually enjoyed our Christmas alone this year more than we thought we would. We opened our presents and then got everyone on Skype and FaceTime to talk to Elder Tebbs. Garrett & Julia were in Cancun, Hailey & Riley were in Lewiston, ID and Hillary & Patrick were driving from Solvang back to Irvine. And Elder Tebbs was in Campinas Brazil!!

Elder Tebbs said he will forever be grateful for air conditioning, carpet and his large bedroom. He said the Brazilian people are so happy no matter their circumstance and urged us to help the missionaries however we can as he has felt so blessed to be loved by the members in Brazil. 

He got teary when he spoke about those who reject the gospel and don't understand the importance of baptism and bore his testimony in Portuguese. 

Elder Tebbs looked and sounded amazing! We talked to him for quite awhile since he was at a member's house and didn't have a time limit. We actually had to sign off after an hour and a half so we could make our dinner reservations at Benihana downtown with the other empty nester family members. After our nice meal, John & I drove to St. George so he could work down there for a couple of days and I could enjoy the 60-degree temps! Merry Christmas to us!!

Christmas Eve

Dad was the main/only speaker in his ward's Christmas Eve sacrament meeting so Michelle and I went to listen to his talk and support him as he has done countless times for us. He gave a great talk and shared some thoughts/feelings about mom and her condition, her love for music, etc.

We dropped in to visit mom after dad's church and we took LOTS of photos trying to get her to smile and cooperate with the camera. She probably thought we'd lost our minds with all of our antics...

This was my favorite because it reminded me of her normal, natural smile we'd always see...

John was along for the ride so we posed for a Christmas Eve shot.

We went to John's parents home for Christmas Eve dinner with Mark and Lee Ann's family and John wanted a picture with his dad who is not doing well and is at the end of his life.

Then the two of us went home and I took a picture of our pile of presents for each other since we're all alone this year. We had all of the kids for a week in St. George at Thanksgiving and so they're with in-laws for Christmas except for Garrett and Julia who are honeymooning in Cancun!

Wedding Reception at Wheeler Farm!

Garrett & Julia chose to hold their reception at Wheeler Farm in Murray. Julia's family did an amazing job with the decorating, food, music and send-off...

Garrett & Julia received guests for the 1st hour and then wanted the 2nd hour to be a dance party. We started off with the groom dancing with his mom and the bride dancing with her dad. Garrett broke down and said how much he loved me and how happy he was. Made my night even more perfect!

Julia's uncle was the DJ and he had almost everyone out on the dance floor completely enjoying themselves--especially the groomsmen and Garrett!

How I love this boy of mine and I'm so happy that he's happy!

The bubble send-off to the getaway car... Off to enjoy their honeymoon at the Moon Palace in Cancun!

Garrett & Julia - Bountiful Temple!

Garrett & Julia Tebbs were sealed for time and all eternity in the Bountiful LDS Temple on Thursday, December 21, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. What a chilly but beautiful day! 

Garrett's family and friends...

 Siblings! Just missing Elder Grayson Tebbs and Patrick...

Groomsmen and bridesmaids...

The bridesmaids...

Parents & new in-laws!

Even Cooper got dressed up for the occasion!