*Christmas/Reflections 2012*

Christmas was tons of fun this year and very busy for our little family. The week before Christmas we went to Utah and stayed in the Ophir cabin so we could celebrate with Josh's grandparent's and extended relatives. Jaden LOVED the Ophir cabin this year because there are loads of fun toys for him to play with and an entire train table/set which occupied him for hours. We also went to the SLC Temple to look at the lights and my sister in-law got engaged there! We are so happy for her and can't wait for her and Wade (my soon to be brother in-law) to be married. The trip was short and sweet, and Jaden was a trooper riding in his car seat for the 12 hour trip there and back (got to love the iPad and Leap Pad).

Christmas day we split up between Josh's family and mine (which is getting to be a lot of driving hahha so we need to reevaluate that next year.) So we woke up and did our little Christmas at our house, went to Josh's parent's house and opened presents there, then went to my house and opened presents, back to Josh's house to talk to his brother calling from his mission in Argentina, then back to my parent's house for dinner. Lot's of traveling but being with family is so worth it so really I don't mind too much.

Jaden was fun to watch opening presents this year because he actually does it himself! He doesn't really get the whole Santa thing yet so we didn't go too crazy, but next year I think we will be in full Santa swing so will have to put on our A game starting then.

Next set of pictures are at Papa and Grandma's house opening presents. Josh's parent's got us a new TV, which now fits nicely in our house and is an upgrade from our little TV.

Last but not least is pictures at Grandpa and Grammy's house. My parents got us a beautiful new kitchen table! I'm so in love with it and it's a great new addition to our home. I was also so happy to have my own wonderful Grammy there with us for Christmas. Her health is not good and am not sure how much longer we have with her so was especially happy to be with her this holiday season.

So much to be thankful for this Christmas and this past year. Reflecting on 2012 Josh and I have accomplished many things and have grown a lot as a couple and little family.

Together: We bought and moved into our first home (changed and upgraded it A LOT)
Deciding to add a new addition to our family: baby boy Bracken due January 23, 2013
Celebrated 4 wonderful years of marriage
Gaining patience and learning how to raise our sweet/naughty little toddler
Loving our sweet little Jaden and watching him grow and learn new things

Josh: Accelerating and advancing his career at Boeing
Doing all of the upgrades to our home
Being a wonderful husband/father/and provider
Becoming assistant scout master for his calling at church
Starting his masters degree

Christy: Being pregnant with what feels like the whole year (but worth every moment)
Trying to be the best stay at home wife/mommy I can be
Growing in my new calling as the Assistant Secretary in the Relief Society (which I LOVE LOVE LOVE so much and is definitley the best calling ever!)
Sold my 2000 Dodge Neon (my first car)
Loosing my sister to moving to New York City (Lol still not over it and will never be haha)

Jaden: No more bottle (August) or binki (November) which he gave up both very easily THANK HEAVENS!
Saying full sentences
LOVES Thomas the train and all trains more than anything
Sleeps like a champ
Going to be an awesome big brother
Still skinny but can fit into most 2T clothes now

That is the Bracken trio in a nut shell for 2012. Can't wait to see what fun and crazy adventures 2013 has to bring us! HAPPY NEW YEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!