Reunited and it feels so good!

It has been 19 months since we saw the Johnson's. That is roughly 570 days since we have seen our best friends. Since then, one child was born, one on the way, an almost dental school grad and lots of growing children have transpired. But we finally made it happen, we snuck a couple of days in St. George together. I'm not going to lie, I was a little nervous that maybe it had been too long, and that things wouldn't be as natural, and that it could be awkward sharing a house for 3 days straight. I was crazy. Things with the Johnson's are just easy. We "get" each other. We have the same "perv" level, and that is very important in a relationship. Chris talks, Travis listens, and Jana and I make fun of them. We can be sarcastic and silly, but we also have a lot of serious talks as well. 

 We had good times being adventurous outside. We went to Pioneer park and Snow Canyon. Avery was in pure Heaven! Travis almost died on a cattle guard, but he made it. The best times were when the kids went to bed and it was just the adults hanging out. We played games, and of course said about a million "thats what she said" jokes. The Dyer's were able to make the trip out and hung out with us as well. It was so much fun catching up and just hanging out. I really miss our Kansas City life. It feels like a lifetime ago! We will always have these bonds with these friends, that is one thing money can't buy! 

The great Globe circus

The smallest circus came to our town. It was called the great Benjamin's circus. I had no idea what to expect because Globe is a tiny town, so anything touring to Globe has got to be interesting. And interesting it was! We walked in, and there were about 15 other people. We did go to the matinee show, so I guess its not weird that it wasn't sold out. The acts were pretty decent as far as talent goes. There was this clown that would come in in-between the acts and do all sorts of cheesy things. I guess the way to describe this circus was old fashioned. Almost like it was 50 years behind the times. My kids really liked it. Avery was actually called down and was apart of an act. The parents were entertained by the pure oddness of it all. It made me think about all of these circus performers lives. How did they get here? They travel to minuscule towns performing for a small crowd. Is this what they thought they would do when they were little? Are they happy? What do they do on their off days? It just got me thinking. And also reminded me to put my kids in college asap!

Christmas 2016

Christmas time came and went again! Every year, it becomes more of a whirl for sure. We had a great season! Here are some of the things we did:

Naked tree decorating:

Apparently this is a thing each year. 

The Globe Light Parade:

Roberto's Mexican food, hot cocoa, good friends and fun lights! Its definitely a tradition!

This is our favorite event in the little town we live in

Mesa lights with the Jolley's:

Pretty sure our kids were the only irreverent ones rolling down the hills. Oops!

Travis's work Christmas party at the casino:

This party is always good for people watching and a little black jack. Its always a good time!

Gingerbread house decorating with friends:

Isla was pretty thrilled, I mean frosting, candy, graham crackers, who wouldn't be?

These big kids also were in Heaven

Santa Claus sitings:

My kids aren't huge fans of the big guy, but they sure do love getting presents from him

Isla gets as far away from him as possible, and barely tolerates him

And then of course, Christmas day. We had a white Christmas, which is very rare in Globe!

The girls were thrilled and had a great morning. They kept getting weird camping gear and stuff, and then we walked outside and there was a new camper outside! Their reaction was priceless!

We really tried to keep Christ in Christmas this year and every year. Hopefully our kids are getting it? Sometimes I wonder? 

Merry Christmas!