Oh, Wow!

Grayson, my favorite toddler, frequently says "Oh, Wow!"  That's exactly how I feel.  I knew it was November when I blogged last, so sadly I wasn't able to keep my goal of checking in once a month.  However, it was all for good reason.  That past 68 days have been some of the most exciting, happy and eventful ever for our family.  The whirlwind has come to an end, and so let's get it recorded!

Thanksgiving this past year was our "off year" meaning that the kids spent the holiday with their in-laws.  However, Brent and I did venture down to Utah ourselves and spent time with many extended family who were also in the area.  Utah is becoming a gathering place, that's for sure.  We had dinner at Chuck A Rama with the Nielson/Bird Family (it was delicious) and also spent time with several of Brent's relatives.  It turned into a busy week.  The main event, however, was the blessing of the twins, Max and Clara that Sunday.  It was a gorgeous winter day in Lehi, and Camille and Russ hosted about 50 people at their home following the service. 

A family picture on Max and Clara's blessing day.  Max wore the shoes Brent was blessed in as a baby, and the outfit Jace was blessed in.  Clara wore a heirloom blessing gown that has been in the Lewis family for over 100 years!

We headed back to Spokane for several weeks, and then I once again hopped on a plane to Utah.  I spent some time in Richfield with my parents the week before Christmas.  Dad absolutely loves the holidays and he does such a good job every year decorating the house and yard.  It's really quite admirable that a man his age goes to so much work.

Last winter we had decided as a family to use our timeshare week at Christmas and have a destination vacation somewhere.  This was all before the twins were on our radar, and before Jace and Bella had even met one another!  So, it was off to the Florida Keys for us all for the week of Christmas.  We feel lucky that 10 of us (2 newborns and a toddler included) boarded a plane and survived the flight without a really crazy story to tell.  Our flight from SLC to Las Vegas was delayed and we barely made the connection, which necessitated us being seated all over the plane, but hey, we managed.  The kiddos did quite well, considering.  Florida was warm and the sunshine felt so good.  Eighty degrees in December isn't too bad!  The home we rented was on the water, comfortable and lovely.  One day we drove into Key West, the southern most point of the US.  It is a funky tourist town, and is famous for the beautiful nightly sunsets.  We weren't disappointed!  The other days we really just took it easy--explored a few parks and beaches, did a bit of shopping, and just generally enjoyed each other's company.  Santa found us on Christmas morning and left a few gifts.  Although it was quite the effort, it was definitely worth it.  Who knows, maybe we will try a Christmas vacation again sometime in the future.

Grayson and his Mom playing in the water.  He loved it!

Water baby!

Maxfield's at our picnic.

Me and my Clara.

Not sure what's caught Clara's eye up there.

Camille and Clara in her cute little swimsuit.

The Lewis' Family.  Sunbathing Babies!



Grayson and Grandpa playing in the canal.  Brent isn't the type to just sit on a deck and enjoy the sunshine.
 He's ALWAYS in the water. 



Christmas Eve dinner.  Yum Yum!

Our baby rocker!!  Grayson got a ukulele from Santa.  He knows just what to do with it.
 It's so fun watching him strum, sing and bob his head.   

He's a natural!

Santa Babies on Christmas morning. 

Bella and Clara look like they coordinated their outfits.
 

The guys all got ties, headlights and gloves. 

In Key West awaiting the sunset.

Clara's enjoying the sunshine.

Russ, Stuart and the boys at dinner in Key West.  We had Cuban food.

This is the beautiful sunset we saw from the pier.  It was so worth it. 

Relaxing on the beach.

Max is stretching. . . this beach thing is sooooo exhausting!

Bella is Grayson's new best friend. 
Of course her Kindle was also pretty interesting :)

Gray loved the swings at the beach too.

Pretty brave to post this pic, aren't I.  My hubby looks pretty handsome though!

Crazy as it sounds, we arrived in Utah on December 28th, and shifted to wedding mode!  Jace and Bella were to be married in Manti on January 2nd.  Those 5 days were busy, but oh so fun and happy.  January 2nd was a beautiful, sunny winter day.  Manti is the place where both us and Bella's parents were married, so they wanted to share that connection.  It was a wonderful choice.  The temple was gorgeous, and they were the only bride and groom that day there, which made it so special.  It was a beautiful ceremony and the day couldn't have been better in any way.  Those who know Jace would say that Bella is a lucky girl; those who know Bella would say that Jace is a lucky guy!  So, in my book, they are pretty much "The Luckiest" couple around.  We are thrilled to welcome Bella to our family.

Happy Day!  Our family in Manti.

The old Mr. and Mrs. McLaws with the new Mr. and Mrs. McLaws!

Brent and his beautiful girls.

Brent and ALL of his beautiful girls :)

Who's that gorgeous lady in those shades??? 

The groom. . . he's just a little bit happy.

Jace and the G Man.  I wish I knew what they were laughing at!!

Me and my favorite son :)

My kiddos.

Jace and Brent.  Handsome guys.

Jace, Stuart and Russ. . . 3 YOUNG handsome guys!

After the festivities we packed up to head back home.  Camille and the babies made the trip home to Spokane with us.  It had been a while since she had spent time here, so it was so fun having her and the twins here for 12 days.  Russ came up after the first week and worked remotely.  Last Friday was the Spokane Open House for Jace and Bella.  So many wonderful friends supported them that night.  On Saturday we drove them to Seattle for an open house at Bella's parents.  It was great meeting so many of her family friends.  Alas, the "Jace and Bella Fest" is now over!  They are back in Provo at school.  Jace is busy interviewing for summer internships.  Their future is very bright.

The "Love Altar"  This was for our Sokane Open House. 
That bridal photo of Jace and Bella is our favorite.

Dessert Table in Spokane

At Lake Washington in Seattle.  We spent a few hours touring Seattle with Camille and Russ after the Seattle Open House.

The Lewis Family at Lake Washington.

So, there you have it.  A busy, busy few months for sure.  2013 definitely was a blessed year for our family.  We are so grateful for our Savior, eternal families, and the firm foundation that only the gospel can provide. 

Everything good in my life is because of it. 

I'm looking forward to whatever this year brings. 

Gosh, only a little over 2 months until another little grandson

joins our family. . . I better get quilting!!!