HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Oh, it is SO nice to be home for the holidays. We were able to go home for 2 1/2 weeks this year, which was so nice! We got to spend a lot of time catching up with dear family and friends (although no matter what, it never seems like quite enough time). We enjoyed being able to attend all of the family Christmas parties and eating at our favorite restaraunts in Salt Lake. We also realized just how cold it gets in Salt Lake. . .we had talked ourselves into thinking that with the humidity our cold days are about as cold as Utah's. We reminded ourselves we were wrong, especially when we talked to friends back in Virginia who were barbecuing in the 70 degree Christmas Day weather! Anyway, to sum it up, we enjoyed visiting those we miss so much over the holidays. This is definitely the trip we look forward to all year long!

Unfortunately, I don't have many pictures of our visits with loved ones as it seems that I am always way to busy catching up and chatting it up that I always forget to snap those pictures for memories. Oh well, there is always next time, right? I included the few picture highlights that I did get.



Looking at the temple from the Joseph Smith Memorial Building

Playing in the fountain. . .wherever there is water you can find a happy Ella!

We got the whole Draper family together for my parents 30th wedding anniversary and went out for a nice dinner at The Garden. It was fun to all be together and very unusual with my brothers' often later work schedules. (By the way,for those who don't know, with my brother Ben is his fiance Raquel who will be "officially" joining the family the 26th of February--if we don't scare her away before then!)

Giving cousin Kaden thank you kisses for his Christmas present to her

Taking Chad's scooter out for a test drive

Dressed up for our Christmas Eve Party with the Thomas side of the family

Favorite present Christmas morning---a box. . .even if it is WAY too small to hide in, Ella was able to enjoy herself anyway!

Ella, where are you??

Reading stories with Grandma Holbrook (Ella took advantage of willing readers in all of her grandparents almost constantly)

Opening presents with the Holbrooks

Ella has this funny thing she likes to do where she "shows off" how cool she is by sticking her bum in the air and standing on her head. Cousin Emily thought it was so funny and came and played with her. It was fun hearing them giggle at each other's humor!


We got family pictures taken with Brad's side of the family. Unfortunately, the best one of everyone makes Brad looks like he's back in highschool looking "bulked up" and posing for a football photo. Oh well, at least Ella's smiling. And besides, everyone already knows he is the good looking one in our family, so what does he have to prove?

A sweet picture of the Emily and Ella, Holbrook cousins (there will be two more girls added to this side of the family come Spring. . .won't that be a fun picture next year?)