I visited my family for two weeks and dropped off the face of the earth

I had full intentions of blogging a time or two while I was visiting with my family in Utah over my long Christmas-break-from-reality. I really did. But my laptop had struggles connecting to my parents' wireless network. I mean, it would. not. connect.

So, instead of taking it to some computer guy who might've been able to fix the problem in a jiffer, I just ignored the laptop/internet conundrum, and I hung out with my family.

Feel free to infer that my long Christmas-break-from-reality was fantastic.

Because it was.

Being in the land of my inheritance with the people I love best (for something like thirteen days) was magical...

Also, I spent some time with Brooker for a little bit down in her new neck of the woods (Utah Valley) just before Christmas. And I also met up with Lisa and got to meet her little guy, Russell.

Meet Russell. I think he looks like an adorable little man!

This is how we look in Provo.

We had planned on going to Snowbird, but got distracted on the way...

These ponchos were super comfy. Too bad they were obnoxiously bright.

I desperately wish that this coat would've been available a size larger.
And the pants, a size (or two) smaller...

This top looked more ridiculous on the hanger.

Since we took too long shopping, we ended up going to Soldier's Hollow.
Allyson and her daughter Brooke came, too!

Soldier's Hollow is a tubing hill where you hitch a ride to the top on a pulley,
then fly down the mountain with a cluster of your friends. FUN!

I'm smiling because I didn't have to hike to the top of the hill.
Not. Even. Once.

I love this picture. You're cute, Brooker.

After Utah Valley fun with Brooker (thanks again, Brooker!), I stuck to my family like glue, basically. I visited Gramma with Mom and Brent (and met up with Aunt Karin) a couple of days before Christmas. Gramma's memory wasn't as good as I've seen it recently, but she was in a cute, silly mood, and it was fun watching her unwrap her Christmas gifties...

I think she looks sassy in her new striped sweater from Karin.

And on Christmas Eve, Aaron's and Ryan's families came to Mom & Dad's place for dinner, which was pretty fantastic.

These cuties melt my heart. Kaylee, Seth and Marshall.

Papa got Derek laughing hard. It was adorable.

Good grief, that face. That! Face!

Seth and I have a silly relationship. I took this picture after he smeared chocolate on my face,
and probably before he licked it off?

(The chocolates in question, made by Amy. Divine.)

Ah. There it is. The chocolate lick. Thank you, Seth.

Emmett is such a happy kid...

The "silly face" thin is always their idea, but what kind of aunt would I be if I didn't oblige?

Yep. I'm happiest when I'm with my family and snuggling with my nieces and nephews.

 I've said it before, and I'll say it again, but November and December rock my world; life goes by with ridiculous speed, most especially during those months, but it's always such a happy blur for me. Spending time in the kitchen making delicious meals; general goof-off-ery with my siblings and their offspring; twinkle lights; beautiful music; people being more thoughtful and generous; eating delicious meals with those I love best; continuing traditions I've enjoyed since the days of my youth...

Yes, it really is the most wonderful time of the year. Every year.

And now it's January. Or, as I like to call it, The Month of Mondays. It's not actually been too bad thus far, and I'm working on being positive and treating January as if it's, like, the best month ever. (Happiness is better than misery, after all.)

I'll be back soon with something blogworthy, I'm sure.

In the meantime, I want to wish the happiest of birthdays to my sweet sister-in-law, Janel! I hope your day was amazing, lady! And to Mr. Sethington: I love you, bug! I can't wait to smear chocolate on your face next time I see you, and maybe discuss Harry Potter with you some more...