Christmas with the Bazzelle's

After driving cross country several times over the last year, we decided that we would just stay here in Utah for Christmas. At first I wasn't too excited about this decision, but after convincing Adam's mom that they needed to come out here too, I was ecstatic! In my 22 Christmases this was my first one away from my own parents. They were just out here for Rachel's wedding in September, so they couldn't make a second trip out for the holidays. So I'm lucky to have gained a second family this year that was able to visit. Adam and I tell each other all the time how lucky we are to have married into families that we actually enjoy being around.
Our tiny two bedroom apartment was packed, but happily so. The Christmas tree had so many presents under it that we joked about having to get a second one just to have somewhere to put all of them. We were all spoiled, at least I felt that way. And Dad Bazzelle kept hinting at wanting grandchildren, saying things like, "Christmas is much more magical with little ones around', and "I'd like a grandchild that doesn't have fur" (referring to Jenni's dog-child, Elliot). I just kept having to remind him that we had only been married for 7 months! Maybe we'll get around to it this year ;)
Before everyone left, we were able to do an endowment session at the Salt Lake Temple. I've never done a live session before, and it was a very neat experience to go through with my new family. It was the first time that all five of us had been in the temple together since Adam and I were married. After the session, we had to walk around a little bit to see the lights. Nothing beats Temple Square at Christmas time. Gorgeous! I took a few pictures with my phone, but they don't do it justice. If you haven't been, be sure to go next year!

Like I said, these pictures don't do the experience justice. Even in the freezing cold, you could feel the warmth of Christmas spirit. I hope that all of you had a wonderful Christmas, and that you took at least a few minutes to remember our Savior who was born so long ago, and that he is the reason for this wonderful time of year.